Since Chrysler introduced the first ignition key in 1949, car keys have evolved into high-tech devices.
There are many different types now produced by automotive manufacturers worldwide. In many car models you don’t even need to insert and turn the key to start the engine.
Today, they are often used only for securing the vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to steal.
Here are a few of the most common key types you might see today, and how you might identify them, starting with the switchblade.
What Is A Switchblade Key?
Named for the flicking motion the key makes when it opens, it is a compact key fob often combined with a transponder chip and laser-cut blade.
The driver presses a button on the key, which unfolds the key blade from its fob. Used by many manufacturers, but often used for Volkswagens.
What Makes A Tibbe Car Key Different?
A tibbe is a type of key used mostly on older Fords and Jaguars. Although it looks relatively simple, it is designed as a cylinder to make it harder to copy.
If you lose one, an auto locksmith will need to order a car key replacement and reprogram it.
How Do You Identify a Laser-Cut Key?
Laser-cut keys were first introduced on luxury cars in the 1990s, but since 2000, they have become more common.
They feature a flat metal blade with a wiggly indentation cut into both sides. Laser-cut keys make the door locks and the ignition much harder to pick.
An added benefit is that they are also difficult to copy; you won’t be able to make a spare at your local keycutter.
What Is A Transponder Key And How Does It Work?
General Motors was the first to introduce transponders in car keys in the 1980s, originally using a resistor technology called vehicle anti-theft systems.
These types of keys now use an RFID microchip, which signals the car to tell it to lock or unlock, and whether it is safe to start the engine.
These look very similar to rolling code car keys, which also have buttons on the fob and work in almost the same way. The difference is that a transponder key only has one signature code.
A rolling code key, as the name suggests, refreshes its code each time it is used, making it even harder to replicate, and making your car even safer.
What Is A Smart Car Key?
These are used in so-called keyless cars. They work by detecting the proximity of the fob, allowing the car to unlock and the push-button start to work.
If you got locked out of your car or need a replacement car key, call Keytune365 for a qualified auto locksmith in Slough.