Losing one’s property is always unpleasant. The fact that the lost
item is yours makes it hard to accept that it is missing or even gone
forever. The item may have sentimental value like a child’s drawing or a
locket from a loved one. It may be a needed item like a watch or a
winter coat. In the case of a missing transponder key, it is a needed
item whose absence now causes great inconvenience as well as a sizeable
expense. If you’ve ever lost a transponder key or had one stolen from you, you understand what we mean.
Do you remember the feeling you had when you realized that your
key is gone? Did you panic and wonder how you could be so absent
minded? Did you suspect a certain person of taking it? Were you
wondering how to best replace the key or if someone now can drive your
car and even steal it from you?
Transponder keys; pros and cons
There are many good things about the modern use of transponder
chip keys. They are almost exclusively used by auto makers as they have
been so instrumental in cutting down the rate of car theft. By making
these specialized keys so hard to duplicate (and expensive) it has
helped to lower the incidents of car theft as thieves cannot simply have
transponder keys copied as the duplicate will not have a transmitter
chip inside the head that can communicate with your car and allow it to
start. This pro also happens to be a con as only certain car dealers
were authorized by the auto makers to duplicate these keys. The process
is pricey, time consuming, and very inconvenient as it often involves
tow fees as the car usually has to be brought into the dealer service
area in order to properly match the new key to the car’s computer.
What exactly are transponder keys?
Trusted Locksmith Peachtree City gets that question from time to
time. People know that they are car keys but don’t often know much
more. The word transpond means to transmit. This is what your
transponder key does; it sends a message to your car’s computer when you
turn it in the ignition. If the right key is used, the computer
recognizes the transmitted signal and allows the engine to start. If
another (wrong) key is used; no correct signal and no engine start!
Wait; can’t you buy transponder keys online?
Yes, you sure can. They won’t work and you have to wait for
shipping to bring them but you can certainly buy one. Understand that
these companies selling online transponder keys are not authorized to
do so. They can’t accurately program your key’s chip, either. After you
discover this, you are, of course, angry and disgusted. You’ll want
your money back, but just try collecting! Many of these online firms are
overseas and will either refuse to refund you or just ignore your
requests altogether.
Transponder key insurance
Yes, they really do sell it and in most cases, it is can be valid.
There is one drawback though; the high premiums that you pay. You have
long waits between filing claims and re-imbursement and the hassles
and expense are usually not worth is as our replacement method is
faster, less costly and more accurate.
The best solution
You don’t have to live in Peachtree City, GA to use this replacement method; it works everywhere automotive locksmiths
are located. Here’s what you do. Call a local, full service automotive
lock professional and have him duplicate your transponder key, program
it and make you a spare. Does all this sound expensive? It isn’t if you
use the right technician. Call around and get pricing. Many shops
offer free price quotes, convenient mobile service and same day
appointments. As a comparison, call your car dealership and get some
estimates from them, as well. You’ll be shocked at the difference. Not
all lock technicians can duplicate transponder keys so use an
established and fully licensed, bonded and insured location. The goal
is to get quality service at a good price and NOT to just go cheap and
spend as little as possible.
