Let’s take a look at one automotive item we take for granted that has changed a lot since it was first created. In an increasingly digital age, car keys have gone from something totally foreign to us today to fobs that can start a car from inside your home on a cold morning.
The electric starter was invented by Charles Kettering and first used on Cadillac’s Touring Edition in 1912. This was the point where the modern concept of a car key got its start. However, these house key-like car keys weren’t the first type of car key.
Kick back, relax, and let’s take a look at 10 different car keys that span the entire history of the automobile. Many of these will be familiar, while others might come as a surprise. Unfortunately, while all of the keys on this list have their own unique features, sadly none are yet able to tell you where they are when you’re running late for work.
Types of Car Keys
There are different types of cars with different modifications, ranging from their wheels to the types of keys they use. These keys come with different specifications. The seven commonly known types of car keys include:
#1. The Mechanical Keys.
Mechanically cut car keys are among the older types of car keys discussed on this list. Also known as a traditional car key, this is the most basic type of car key used today.
Generally, these keys are used by older vehicles that do not have any security encoding. This type of key can be made with any machine used to cut metal.
However, given that these keys are the most basic variant, they’re not the most secure.
Typically, these keys are predominantly made from metal. This means that copies of the key can be made using various methods. Standard blank keys can be used to make copies of mechanically cut car keys.
#2. Remote Keys.
These types of keys are usually needed for basic tasks such as unlocking and locking cars from a distance. The security device will either use an infrared signal or more commonly, a radio transmitter to send an encoded message to the receiver in the car.
Remote car keys are usually battery operated and have a button on the key fob, which will disable the car’s alarm system.
With a remote car key, users will be able to lock or unlock their car key at a nearby distance. Unlike smart keys, which can also be used to unlock the vehicle without physical contact, a remote key will need to be inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle.
#3. Transponder Keys.
This type of key has a microchip in the key handle and is more secure than the traditional car key. Transponder car keys have been used since 1995. When inserted into the ignition, a sensor responds and activates the transponder.
The price to copy a transponder key is anywhere from $40 to over $100. To replace entirely, a dealership may charge around $250, while going to a locksmith will be less expensive.
Another type of transponder key is the rolling code key. Introduced in 1999, this key sends a new code every time the car is used, protecting the car more securely than traditional transponders. Replacing this type of key is very expensive, typically $500 or more per key.
#4. Flip Style Remotes.
This key folds within itself and it’s sometimes called the switchblade key. There is always a button that will pop out the key for use. Here the base or shank of the key is can be retractable into the head or fob of the key.
A switchblade key is a key that folds within itself much like a switchblade knife. Typically, there is a button that will pop out the key for use. It can cost around $200-$300 to replace the whole thing, although if just the shank needs to be replaced, the cost is around $75.
#5. Smart Keys.
Smart car keys are one of the latest types of car keys to be utilized by vehicle manufacturers.
These are not actual keys, as they are designed to stay in your pocket and no ‘unlocking’ is needed. A car that uses a smart key system will have a series of antennas that can detect the presence of the smart key.
The car’s immobilizer will be deactivated and the ignition started with the push of a button if the smart key is within. Smart keys are fobs that when it is within range of the car, will enable the car to turn on by the press of a button.
It does not need to be inserted into the ignition. These keys have to be replaced through the dealership and can cost anywhere from $200-$400.
#6. Master Keys.
Many early cars were equipped with a master key intended to be used to make copies or replace keys for a car. It was not intended for normal use.
Master keys were hundreds of dollars to replace, and sometimes it was necessary to replace the whole engine management system, potentially costing thousands of dollars.
Most cars nowadays do not come with master keys, however, if you purchase a used car, double-check the owner’s manual to see if you should be receiving a master key with the other keys.
#7. Valet Keys.
As the name suggests, valet car keys are designed to be used by valet services. With a spare valet key, vehicle owners will be able to hand over a specialized key with limited functionality when using these convenient services.
Ultimately, this is a more secure way for drivers to use valet services.
With a specialized valet car key, the key will only be able to lock or unlock the doors and start the ignition. However, a valet key will not be able to unlock a glove box or trunk that the owner has locked.
Many drivers keep valet keys handy in the event that they are locked out of their car or misplace their keys.
#8. Crank Key.
The very first car keys were unlike modern keys. Instead, they were hand cranks that were inserted directly into the engine and wound to get the vehicle started.
As early automobiles had all-metal construction (excluding the seat cushions, of course), starting the car could be quite difficult. Safety was also a huge concern, as it was easily to lose your grip on the crank and have it spin at you.
In order to safely use the crank key, the motorist needed to stand beside it and keep their thumbs facing the same direction as their fingers to avoid injury from slips. The crank key quickly became obsolete with the advent of the electric starter.
#9. Rolling Code Car Key.
This type of car key is one of the most secure options out there. First introduced in 1999, this is a popular alternative to the transponder car key for one very simple safety feature.
Unlike transponders, which are programmed for a specific code and frequency, rolling code transponders change their code every time they’re used, similar to how modern garage door openers work.
One of the great things about this feature is that you can’t simply replicate, hack, or otherwise copy the key. The car will only respond to the rolling code key it came with.
Unfortunately, this also means losing one can set you back a few hundred dollar because the car’s locking system will also have to be reprogrammed in order to replace the key.
#10. Tibbe Car Key.
Introduced in the early 1980s, tibbe car keys are a highly secure type of key commonly used by Ford and Jaguar. This type of key, which has a cylindrical shape, is challenging to duplicate. Standard hardware stores that generally duplicate keys will not be able to clone these keys, leading to their popularity.
When a tibbe car key needs to be replaced, the replacement process is twofold. Firstly, a new tibbe key will need to be ordered. Following this, a mechanic will need to program the new tibbe key to your vehicle. While this isn’t the most commonly used car key today, it’s a highly secure option!