The Transformation of Car Keys Through the Years

Car keys are manufactured using complex technology and studying their evolution will give you an idea of how powerful and complicated they have become. Here’s a quick look on how car keys have evolved through the years:

Traditional Car Keys

Otherwise referred to as mechanical keys, traditional car keys are just metal keys. There’s nothing complicated about them. They had long blades with distinctive shaped edges. Mechanical keys do not have any form of technology or unique features. To use it, all you need to do is to insert it in the right keyhole and turn it to start your car’s ignition.

The simplicity of its design makes mechanical car key duplication an easy and straightforward process. You don’t need the services of an auto locksmith to replace a traditional car key. You could just walk into any hardware store you get your key replaced.

Transponders

Transponder key was the next big thing that happened after the invention mechanical keys. Unlike its predecessor, transponder keys had some form of technology attached to them. In the 80s, Chevy manufactured a microchip that was planted into car keys. This technology allowed a transponder key to communicate with the ignition of the car. The microchip was designed to protect vehicle thefts as the car’s ignition would not start without the microchip.

Remote Door Openers

After the era of transponders came the era of keyless entry systems. These remotes were designed to lock and unlock car doors remotely. In the 1980s, keyless entry system was seen as a luxury feature. Fortunately, people didn’t need remote door openers to start their cars’ ignitions. Hence, its’ keyless entry technology only affected car doors.

Laser Cut Car Keys

Laser cut car keys is similar to traditional keys. Love mechanical keys, they are basic metal car keys with no technology in them. However, the uniqueness of laser cut car keys is in their cuts. Since they were carefully cut-out using laser technology, duplicating laser cut keys required the expertise of a dealership or an auto locksmith.

Key Remote Combo

The key remote combo came into the market early in the 90s. Rather than having the remote and traditional key as two separate keys, the key remote combo merged both of them into one key. During the duplication process, you need to program your remote combo key before you can use the remote features on the key.

Fob Key

Fob keys are more common with modern vehicles. It is currently the most advanced car key in the market. Fobs don’t look like keys in any way. They look like small remotes with multiple buttons that lock and unlock car doors, setting car alarm, and starting the ignition of the car.

Do You Need Car Key Made or Fob Programming?

At Top Atlanta Locksmith, we have the technology, tools, and skill sets to replace advanced car keys. Contact our team today for car key replacement services.