When you ask about a spare car key, one of the first things we need to know is what kind of key you have. Many drivers aren’t sure, and that’s completely normal. Car keys have changed a lot over the past twenty years, and the names can be confusing.
This guide explains the main types of car keys you’ll see in Singapore: transponder keys, remote keys, flip keys and smart keys. You’ll learn how to tell them apart just by looking at your key and thinking about how you start your car. If you’re still not sure at the end, send us a photo and we’ll tell you.
The quick way to tell
Ask yourself two questions:
- How do you start the car? If you put the key in and turn it, you have a transponder, remote or flip key. If you press a start button with the key in your pocket or bag, you most likely have a smart key.
- What’s on the key? No buttons usually means a transponder key. Buttons plus a fixed metal blade means a remote key. Buttons plus a blade that folds away means a flip key.
Now let’s look at each type in a bit more detail.
Transponder key
A transponder key looks like a regular metal key with a thicker plastic or rubber head. Many car keys have a chip in the head that the car needs to start. From the outside, you won’t see the chip. It may have no buttons at all.
How to spot one
- A metal blade with a plastic head.
- Usually no lock or unlock buttons.
- You put it in the ignition and turn it to start the car.
Because the car needs the chip to start, a plain metal copy from a key-cutting shop usually won’t start the car, even if it turns in the lock. A proper spare needs to work with your car, not just fit it.
Remote key
A remote key is a key with lock and unlock buttons on it. You still put the key in to start the car. Some also have a boot button or a panic button.
How to spot one
- A fixed metal blade that doesn’t fold.
- Buttons on the head for locking and unlocking.
- You still turn the key in the ignition to start.
Some older cars have a separate remote fob on the keyring plus a plain key. If that’s what you have, send us photos of both.
Flip key
A flip key is a remote key where the metal blade folds into the key and flips out at the press of a button. It works like a remote key, it’s just more compact in your pocket.
How to spot one
- A button on the side that makes the blade spring out.
- Lock and unlock buttons on the body.
- You flip the blade out and turn it in the ignition to start.
For quotes, flip keys sit in the same group as remote keys. See our remote, flip and transponder key duplication page for how it works.
Smart key
A smart key is used on keyless and push-start cars. You can usually keep it in your pocket or bag. With the key nearby, you can unlock the door and start the car with a button.
How to spot one
- Your car has a start/stop button instead of a key slot.
- The key is usually a fob with buttons, and often has a small hidden emergency blade inside.
- You may be able to unlock the door by touching the handle with the key in your pocket.
Smart keys are a separate service with us. See smart key duplication for details.
Side by side
- Transponder key: no buttons, turn to start.
- Remote key: buttons, fixed blade, turn to start.
- Flip key: buttons, folding blade, turn to start.
- Smart key: buttons, keep it nearby, press a button to start.
Why the key type matters for a spare
Each type of key is a different product, and that’s the main reason we don’t list one price for car key duplication. When you send us your key photos and your car’s make, model and year, we can tell which key your car needs and whether we can make a spare for it. We work with most car models, but not every key can be duplicated, so we always confirm first. Read more in what affects your car key quote.
What about using your phone as a key?
If you have a push-start car, there’s another option: phone as car key. A small module is set up in your car so that your iPhone or Android phone can lock, unlock and start it. Your original physical keys keep working. Learn more on our phone as car key page.
Still not sure which key you have?
That’s fine. Take clear photos of the front and back of your key with any buttons visible, and WhatsApp them to us with your car’s make, model and year. We’ll tell you what type it is and send you a quote. Remember to bring proof of ownership to your appointment, either your OneMotoring vehicle log card or your vehicle ownership record in Singpass. See proof of ownership for details.
FAQ
What is a transponder key?
Many car keys have a chip in the head that the car needs to start. A key like this may have no buttons at all.
What’s the difference between a remote key and a smart key?
With a remote key, you press buttons to lock and unlock and still turn the key to start. A smart key works with keyless and push-start cars, so you can usually keep it in your pocket or bag.
Is a flip key the same as a remote key?
It works the same way. The difference is that the metal blade folds into the key and flips out when you press a button.
Can you copy all of these keys?
We work with most car models, but not every key can be duplicated. Send us photos and we’ll confirm. More answers on our FAQ page.
Send us a photo
WhatsApp +65 8754 2299 with your key photos and car details, or see our contact page for directions to Burlington Square near Rochor MRT.