Professional Lock & Key Service

Your Guide To Transponder Keys

Sep 21, 2016
September 21, 2016

If your vehicle was built after 1995, it is likely that your car’s key contains a transponder chip. This chip, usually located in the main body of the key, communicates with your car’s on board computer through the use of radio waves. Through this process, your vehicle will recognize that the key detected in the ignition is coded to your car, and will allow the car to start. No chip, no ignition.  At Redlands Lock and Key, we wanted to take a few moments to inform our clients about this important piece of technology, what its benefits are, and what to do if you misplace your transponder key.

Transponder Keys

Transponder keys became a standard in the auto industry in order to offer better protection for people’s cars. Before this, fooling a vehicle’s ignition system wasn’t too hard. A few sparked wires or a well-placed screw driver were all it took to get many older models started and on the road. With the advent of transponder keys, these security concerns were taken out of the equation. Even if a thief is able to get into your car with a duplicate key, the car will not start unless it recognizes that a transponder chip paired to your car is present. This is just one of the many benefits of having a transponder key. Other perks include the following:

  • Cheaper Insurance: Because cars with transponder keys are seen as more secure than cars that don’t have them, insurance companies will sometimes offer lower rates.
  • Keyless Entry: Besides actually starting the car, many transponder keys allow for keyless entry into your car. This increases your personal safety, and is super convenient.
  • Remote Start: Many newer models of cars allow for the option of a remote starter to be built into your transponder key. Simply hit a button, and your car will be ready and waiting.

As you can see, this simple piece of technology has greatly impacted our vehicles and how we interact with them. But what happens when you lose your transponder key? Because of the technology contained in each key, it’s no longer as simple as getting a replacement key cut at your local hardware store. At Redlands Lock & Key we have you covered. Our professional staff has years of experience dealing with transponder key issues. We offer affordable transponder key replacement, repair, and reprogramming options. If you are experiencing any issues with your transponder key, contact us today and see how we can help!