Transponder Key
By Mike C Car Keys • • • • 0 Comments

Car Key Types

Car Key Types

Car keys not only open your car's doors and trunk, as well as start the ignition; but, they are an important part of your vehicle's security. New and constantly changing technology has given us multiple types of automobile keys. It is important to understand the type of key you have in case something goes wrong, or you lose your key.

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Traditional Car Key – These keys are made of metal and have grooves cut to match your car's ignition. Some cars have a separate key to open the doors, glove box, or trunk. The key can easily be duplicated at a local hardware store key cutting machine.

Valet Key – The valet key is specially designed to use when your car is parked by a valet. The key is able to only start your car's ignition and is unable to open the glove box or trunk. Some valet keys even restrict the amount of power the engine puts out to prevent a valet worker from taking your car for a spin.

Transponder Keys – Sometimes called a chip key, the transponder key is an electronic key that has a computer microchip and is electronically coded. The chip is protected inside a plastic encasement. The code is matched with the vehicle to allow the key to start the engine or open the car doors. The transponder key is designed to prevent theft and are difficult to duplicate. It works with an activated radio signal that is sent from the car. Some cars are designed to shut down entirely if the wrong key is used in an attempt to start the engine.

Remotes – Most cars that are manufactured today come with a remote control. These remotes allow the owner of the vehicle to lock and unlock doors, open or close tailgates or trunks, and tun on or off the car alarm. The operate by using either a radio transmitter or infrared signal to send a coded message to the receiver that is inside the vehicle's design.

Keyless Entry Systems – As the name implies, in a keyless entry system, you do not need a physical key to enter your vehicle. You unlock the car with a remote or a keypad that is located on or around the door handle. You may have a key that starts the ignition or a push button.

Rolling Codes – The rolling codes key sends a new code each time the car key is used. It differs from the transponder key in that it does not send the same code every time. Instead, each time the key is used, a separate code is sent.

If your remote or transponder key fails to work, first check the battery if it is accessible. If you suspect there is a radio interference, try using the remote control closer to your car. Some remotes have a bypass system to allow you to use the metal key that is sometimes tucked away inside the plastic toggle remote. When all else fails, or if your key is lost, it's time to contact a local locksmith who can get you back on the road again in no time.

Car Lockout
By Mike C 24 Hour Locksmith Tucson • Car Lockout Tucson AZ • Tucson Car Lockout • • • • • 0 Comments

Car Lockout

Useful tips for preventing car lockout situations

A car lockout situation is very frustrating, one moment of distraction and you find yourself standing out of a locked vehicle the keys to which lay unreachable inside.

There is wide range of circumstances in which a car lockout situation may develop. It may be a malfunction in vehicle’s central locking system, it may be a problem with your car remote or key, it may be a simple case of locking the keys inside the passenger compartment or trunk.

Whatever has led up to you being locked out of your car the result is similar, you are no longer able to get in and drive away as you had planned to do. Most of us lead fairly busy lives; the set back a car lockout situation possesses is therefore a real problem.

Once you are in car lockout situation you will want a reliable, quick auto locksmith service to solve it for you. But there is much that can be done in advance in order to prevent such an occurrence altogether. In the next paragraphs we will give you some pointers as to how to avoid a car lockout.

Car Lockout Tucson

Where are your keys?

Many car lockouts occur due to car keys being left in the ignition switch, on a car seat, dashboard or in the trunk. Although it may be difficult to lock the vehicle without the keys this may happen with certain types of anti-theft systems or due to malfunctions in central door locking mechanism with which virtually all cars today are equipped.

The good news is that you can easily train yourself to make sure you have your car keys with you when you exit your car or when you shut its trunk. Getting used to carrying your car keys in a certain place for instance, attaching something to your key chain to make it a bit heavier and bulkier will make it harder for you not to notice that you do not have them on your person.

Make sure locking systems are flawless

Faulty central locking systems or down batteries (both the car battery as well as the battery in your car remote or key) may be responsible for a car lockout. If you suspect there may be a problem do not postpone getting it checked out, simple maintenance may prevent much frustration looking down the road.

Never place your car keys in the trunk 

Closing the trunk while the keys are inside may lead to a car lockout. It is a idea to avoid placing the keys themselves, or a bag in which they are stored, in the trunk. If you have stepped out of your car and are getting out of, or placing into the trunk, leave your keys in your pocket or in your hand or next to you ( just do not forget to pick them up once you are done and begin to walk away).

Have a spare set of keys available in a safe place

Gone are the days of storing magnetically attached spare key somewhere in the outside of the vehicle itself, still you can make certain there is a spare set of keys you can fetch or that can be sent over. Keep such set in your office, at home and give one to close friend or relative.

Technology at you service

There are different gadgets available today designed to help prevent losing things such as keys most are some type of beepers you can set off using your phone or some other remote. If your keys are anywhere in the area they will be easy to find. It is also a good idea to attach a plate with you phone number to your key chain; if some good samaritan has found it they will call you.

 

If you do encounter a car lockout Tucson AZ, do not despair. Make sure to call in reliable professionals such as Tucson Locksmith 24 and you will be back on track in no time!