Transponder keys are popular among modern car manufacturers. Also known as a chip key, this method of unlocking your automobile isn’t just about opening and closing the car, but it’s also an important part of the car’s anti-theft system. Here, the locksmith professionals of Security Lock Service in Caro, MI, explain how this cutting-edge device works to keep your car safe.

A transponder key’s definitive asset is the small microchip it has embedded in the plastic part of the key. This receives a signal from your car, specifically from an antenna ring set around the ignition cylinder. The key must then return the correct corresponding signal. This allows the car to recognize that the key is “good”— not an illegitimate copy.

The complexity of a transponder key varies. The functioning of more intricate versions can be described as a math problem: the car sends a question, and the transponder answers it correctly. In a simpler version, the transponder key and car relationship is more like entering a pin code at an ATM.

Transponder keys can also vary regarding just how easy they are to clone. A zero bitted key is amenable to cloning and has no preset inscription. An encrypted key has a preset, random encryption that is tailored to the precise car.

Getting a transponder or chip key copied is a job for car locksmiths. The intricacies of duplication go far beyond ensuring that the key is properly cut. It’s a good idea to have a copy made that you can keep on hand in a secure place; this ensures you can skip the stress and hassle that an emergency car key replacement can bring.

If you’re in need of a car locksmith in Caro, Security Lock Service can help. With 20 years of experience, these professionals have the expertise required to handle an array of residential and commercial jobs. For an estimate, contact the locksmiths online or call (989) 673-1682 today.