17 Reasons You Shouldn't Avoid Programmable Car Keys

Benefits of Programmable Car Keys Preprogramming your car key is a great method to avoid being locked out of your car in the future. However, it can be quite costly dependent on the car you own. There are tools to help shops and DIY customers to program replacement keys and restore immobilizer data, Sanabria says. 1. You can start your vehicle from an extended distance In order to start your vehicle, you'll need an ignition key that has been programmed to work with it. This means that the key has to have a specific microchip that is capable of being read by a receiver inside the ignition. When the key is put into the ignition, it transmits an encoded signal to the receiver. If the signal matches, the car will begin. This type of technology is far more secure than previous methods of locking your vehicle because the code is constantly changing and is not able to be deciphered by thieves. With the advent of a programmable key, it is now impossible to connect your car to the hot-wire and drive away. Additionally, many of these vehicles come with proximity sensors that stop the car from starting if not within reach of the key. The latest keys can even allow you to warm your car remotely, making it easier to get on the road in cold weather. Using the EZ Installer from Tom's Key Company, it is now possible to program your new key and start your vehicle from an extended distance. This kit allows you to bypass your car's anti-theft device and allow you to enter the programming mode of a new key for your car. It is important to note that this kit will not work on all vehicles and you should check the owner's manual of your vehicle to find out what it can do for your specific model of vehicle. The process of programming keys is not difficult, but it requires a lot patience and a keen eye for details. To program your car successfully with a brand new key program, you must follow a specific method. The steps for doing this are in the car's manual or by searching online for “onboard programming step X of your vehicle.” Be sure to keep the ignition and key fobs secured while you are trying to program them, since waiting too long between actions could cause the car to reset its commands and exit the programming mode. 2. You can open all of the doors at the same time When you are in the midst of a rush and don't want to wait for your friends or family to arrive, you can use a car key that is programmed to open all doors at the same time. This is an excellent feature for those who are often late for appointments or have trouble finding their cars in crowded parking lots. This is a great option for those with elderly or children who require assistance in getting into their car. In contrast to traditional mechanical keys with grooves and cut-outs that fit into the lock cylinders of your car's door locks and ignition A key that is programmable has an embedded computer chip which is connected to the car's computer systems. This chip can be programmed by a locksmith or auto manufacturer based on your vehicle's model and make. This process is usually more complex than creating an exact copy of a traditional car key. It takes longer and costs you more. There are ways to save money on this service. A reputable local locksmith can program your programmable key at a lower cost than a dealership or auto parts store, and generally can do it quicker as well. You'll need two working keys for the locksmith to link your new key to the car's computer. Many modern cars also have sophisticated anti-theft devices that need to be programmed by a locksmith or dealer. There are a few methods you can apply at home to re-program the car key. It is recommended to read the owner's manual of your specific car model or go online to find the steps. Certain manufacturers use proprietary technology that prevents you from being in a position to reprogram your key. This is why you should consult a locksmith or dealer who has the expertise to help you. You may damage the car's electronic system in the event that you attempt to program your key yourself. It's expensive to repair and therefore it is recommended to stay clear of this risk. 3. You can lock your car from a distance Car thieves target drivers when they attempt to unlock their vehicles. They know that it takes a minute for you to pull your keys out of your purse or pocket and to place them in your ignition, so they're waiting for you at the exact moment when you're most vulnerable. Fortunately, you can avoid this by locking your vehicle from a distance by using the ability to program your car keys. This feature is especially beneficial for those who live in a congested area or are worried that their keys could be lost. This feature is only available if your vehicle is compatible. Check with your auto locksmith or the manufacturer to see if your vehicle is compatible. You must have an iPhone 11 and Apple Watch Series 6 and be within Bluetooth range to allow you to unlock your vehicle remotely. If you lose your programmable car key, it is important to have an extra. If not, you may have to purchase a new transponder chip. This can be costly so it's best to have an extra key in the house. You can also get the key reprogrammed by an auto locksmith or a dealer. Reprogramming your car key can be dangerous. It is best to do it professionally so that nobody else is able to reprogram your car key and steal your car. There are a lot of car owners who try to program their own programmable car keys by following online instructions. It's easy to do once you know the process. However automotive key programmer can be confusing and difficult to learn by yourself. Moreover, this method can be risky and might not function properly in certain situations. It is possible that the reprogramming process will erase your other keys, causing them to stop working. This can be avoided by having two working keys ready prior to beginning. Make sure your car is off when you try to program your third keys. 4. You can unlock your door faster The main benefit of having a programmed key is that it can unlock your doors quicker. Traditionally, to unlock a door you'd have to take your key from your pocket, purse, or wallet, place it in the ignition and turn it. With a programmable car key, however, you can just push the button on the fob of your key to open the door, which is much quicker and more secure. You don't have to leave your family or friends outside the car while you look for your keys. If you have a programmed car key, it is possible to replace it in the case of a damaged or lost one. In most cases you can just purchase a replacement key and then have it reset by locksmiths. This will ensure that the new key is compatible with your vehicle and works as intended. This is a much simpler process than replacing the key head and can save you money. Certain vehicles will require a specialized programmer to reprogramme the key. These sophisticated devices are costly and are usually only accessible to locksmiths who are professionals. They also require a lot of expertise in the use of them. Some locksmiths will even use the method known as “EEPROM programming,” which is a more sophisticated method of reading the code of the transponder in your vehicle. It is a good idea regardless of the type of key, to always have a spare key on hand. Lost car keys are very common, and can be a real headache to replace. Also, you don't know how easy a thief can be to rob your car. You can avoid these problems by purchasing a spare programmable key in advance. Pop-A-Lock can create an programmable car key for a reasonable price. It's much cheaper and less stress-inducing than buying a new car if you lose your original keys.