Which Type of Car Key Is Right for You?

A variety of car keys are available at the locksmiths shelf and departmental stores. All aimed to keep your car secure against theft and give you convenience. Having an indept knowledge of the different car keys will help you make an intelligent decision when upgrading your security system.

We will provide quality info about the different car keys available so your plan for car key replacement or key fob programming can be accomplished faster.

Types of Car Keys

Each car key comes with a unique design, security features, perks, and disadvantages, so let’s take a look at some popular car keys you should know about.

Mechanical Keys

This is the easiest of all keys in terms of availability, mechanism and replacement process. It was used for vehicles produced in the early 1900s, and it functions just like many traditional keys. However, it has many flaws making modern automobile industries to discard the design. You’ll often find these types of keys in older vehicles.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys take security a step further when compared to mechanical keys, and it is often found in most cars produced around the 2000s. It looks like a mechanical key, with a plastic covering at the tail end, which contains a transponder chip.

The chip sends code signals to the car’s engine/immobilizers, which must be correctly interpreted before the engine could start. One of the major advantages is that nobody can start your car by just hotwiring or using the wrong key. So, if you use a car key with a plastic-like casing, you are likely using a transponder key.

Another version of the transponder key is the switchblade key. It has the same working operations as the transponder key, the only difference is that it pops out from the key casing like a flip. This design makes it more convenient to carry the key around.

Key Fob/Smart keys

One of the latest and most common car keys is the key fob. gives you the autonomy to lock and unlock your car from a distance, without having to insert a physical key. Some key fobs, known as smart keys allow you to also start your engine without having to insert a physical key.

The main concept around the key fob is the use of an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) transmitter and receiver. The car has a sort of receiver that gets code signals from the transmitter inside the key fob. Once the code signals are decrypted, the doors are unlocked.

Valet Keys

As the name implies, this key is mostly used by valets or personnel, and it comes with a set of limitations. One can open doors and stand ignition, but can’t open the trunk or other parts of the car with the key. The key is usually disregarded by a lot of car owners due to its limitations but comes in handy for special occasions.

Contact Tampa Locksmith For Your Key Replacement Services

Now that you’ve figured out the duirwhat your vehicle’s car key, then you can contact Tampa Locksmith for your car key replacement or key fob programming services. If you are still unsure about your car’s key type, feel free to contact us.