If you drive a relatively new car, chances are it uses transponder keys. Transponder keys make a car far less vulnerable to theft because only a properly programmed key can start a particular car. A transponder key has a computer chip and some copper wiring enclosed within the key’s head. The computer chip uses RFID, or radio-frequency identification to communicate with the onboard computer in the car.

When you turn the transponder key in the ignition, the chip inside the key responds to the signals that the car’s computer sends. The car will only start if the transponder key transmits a valid code. Cars with transponder keys not only can’t be started by just any “duplicate” key, they can’t be hotwired either. The use of transponder keys has cut down on car thefts dramatically.

You may find this knowledge comforting unless you are walking back to your car from the Chicago Theatre and realize your car keys have disappeared. Now what? The old coat hanger trick doesn’t work on newer cars, and even if you could get in, you can’t hotwire your new Lexus the way you could your cousin’s ’72 Chevy. What are your choices?

You could call your car dealer, but chances are you would be in for some serious sticker shock once they tell you the cost of replacing your lost Lexus keys. Or you could call a Chicago locksmith who has the technology to replace transponder keys at a fraction of the cost your car dealer would charge.

Trained, qualified automotive locksmiths have the hardware, software, and transponder key blanks necessary to duplicate almost any transponder key out there, from Ford transponder keys to Honda keys to Lexus keys. A top automotive locksmith will carry just about every blank for foreign and domestic cars in their inventory. They will have the necessary equipment to read the transponder code for your key and then imprint it on the right blank.

The electronic code may be a permanent code, a “rolling” code that changes each time the key is inserted, or a cryptographic code that’s created in real time with special algorithms. You want a locksmith that can make a new key regardless of what kind of code yours uses.

Of course, the best time to get spare keys made is when you’re not in an emergency situation. Why not check out local locksmiths now, before you need one, and have a spare key made? That way you don’t have to be in a hurry, and you can shop around for the best service and price. You do not have to settle for a locksmith who is discourteous, unprofessional, or wants to gouge you on price.

Once you find that automotive locksmith that does the work quickly, professionally, and at a fair price, go ahead and program that phone number into your phone, your mom’s phone, your little sister’s phone, and anyone’s phone you don’t want stuck somewhere not knowing which locksmith to call.

Lost car keys may be funny when they happen on a television sitcom, but it’s not funny if it’s you or someone you love at night in an unfamiliar neighborhood. You don’t want car key replacement to be any more stressful than it has to be, and that’s why it’s important to do some research and find a locksmith who is dependable, trustworthy, and shows the utmost in professionalism.

Author Bio: Jason Bacot – Have you lost your car keys? Are you looking to get them replaced, or you just need some options to look at, then I suggest you check out the best Locksmith Chicago and actually, the only Chicago Locksmith.

Category: Automotive
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