If you want extra protection for your car, look no further than a transponder key. A transponder key uses a personalized microchip to send signals to your car that can lock and unlock it, as well as start the ignition. Use this guide to learn more about these high-tech keys to determine if you’d like to have a locksmith make one for your car.

A Brief History of Transponder Keys

The technology used in transponder keys dates back to World War II, when the military used transponders to recognize whether the aircraft on their radar was dangerous or not.

The idea of using transponders for automobiles took off in the 1980s and 1990s when car theft was on the rise. People were making duplicates of keys as a way to steal cars, or they’d hot-wire one. With the rise of transponder keys, these methods of thievery were rendered impossible.

How They Work  

The chips in transponder keys use low-strength radio waves as their power source—no batteries are required. The radio signals are actually sent by the car, and since their strength is so low, the chip will only activate when it’s near the dashboard or when the key is put into the ignition.

Once the chip is in range, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) will send a coded message to the key. The chip will receive the message and send one back to the ECU, which will then verify that the key is the correct one and allow the car to open or start.

If you’re interested in making or re-coding a transponder key for your car, contact the experts at Able Security Locksmiths in Kenvil, NJ. Serving Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties, these locksmiths can not only help you acquire a transponder key, but they also specialize in lock installations, repairs, car key services, and other security solutions. For more information, visit them online, or give the locksmith a call at (973) 584-3033.