Transponder Keys Aren’t That Mysterious

In the world of modern car keys, the transponder key reigns supreme. These keys have made it much harder for potential thieves to make away with your vehicle, and are a mandatory feature for new production model vehicles. Even with their widespread use, however, many people still don’t know all that much about transponder keys. While most understand the basic idea behind the keys design, some common misconceptions are still floating around. At Redlands Lock & Key, we want all of our Redlands residents to know which myths to look out for when it comes to transponder keys.

Myth 1: Carmakers Are the Only Ones Who Can Program Transponder Keys

While it is true that carmakers have all of the necessary software to program transponder keys for their given vehicles, they are not the only source for obtaining a key. This myth has lead many people to spend more money than they really need to in replacing their lost transponder key. The fact is, any person with the right tools and software can cut and reprogram a transponder key. Before you decide to fork over your hard earned cash to a dealership, contact a locksmith, such as those found at Redlands Lock & Key, and ask if they offer transponder key replacements. You will be surprised by how much you can save.

Myth 2: One Transponder Key Per Vehicle

One of the most misinformed myths we have heard here at Redlands Lock & Key is that only one transponder key will work for a vehicle at any given time. While this myth would seem to make sense, considering the fact that a transponder key is supposed to be the only key that can start your vehicle, it’s not completely true. Most carmakers design their vehicles transponder modules to be able to recognize a predetermined amount of keys. This means that while your vehicle will only start if it recognizes the given transponder key, it has the ability to recognize multiple unique transponder codes.

Myth 3: It’s Okay to Buy a Transponder Key on the Internet

Again, this is one of those partial myths that we hear circulating around. While it is totally possible to buy a high-quality replacement transponder key from the internet, you will want to do some research first. It is important to make sure that the merchant you are buying the key from is reputable to ensure that you won’t be buying a key that will stop working two months after purchase. While we at Redlands Lock & Key suggest that you only buy a replacement transponder key from a certified locksmith, if you do buy one off of the internet only purchase a key from a verified vendor. Remember, if a deal on the internet looks too good to be true, it probably is.

We hope that this post has helped you learn a little bit more about what is and isn’t true in regard to transponder keys. If you ever find yourself in need of a replacement transponder key for your vehicle, contact us at Redlands Lock & Key. We have the tools, knowledge and expertise to handle any and all transponder key issues you may have.