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  3. Technology was supposed to set us free, but in the car industry it’s lockin

Technology was supposed to set us free, but in the car industry it’s lockin

游客2024-05-29  52
问题      Technology was supposed to set us free, but in the car industry it’s locking us out of our vehicles. And as many more ear keys contain electronic chips and come equipped with computerized anti-theft ignition systems, this problem looks set to worsen, experts say.
     The days of visiting a hardware store for an extra car key are quickly vanishing, and consumers and advocacy groups say the time needed to replace missing or lost electronic keys is inordinately long and expensive--and drivers may have no recourse when dealerships are not open. Getting a new electronic key can cost hundreds of dollars, including the cost of towing a car.
     Unlike an old-fashioned mechanical key, which unlocks a door or starts an ignition with its "teeth," an electronic car key works by sending a code that must be read electronically before a vehicle’s engine will start. The technology for these keys is evolving rapidly and only a few locksmiths are investing in the technology needed to replace them, meaning most drivers who lose their keys are forced to visit a dealership for a replacement.
     In a study of the cost of replacing keys in 50 makes and models of vehicles in the Washington, D.C., area, Ditlow’s group found that the average cost of an old-fashioned mechanical key was $12, while the average local dealer price of a "smart" or electronic key was $152. The highest key replacement cost was $335 for a 2004 Lexus IS300.
     Ditlow speculates that with a healthy profit coming from their service and parts replacement divisions, auto companies are reluctant to make the codes for their electronic keys more readily available. For their part, automakers say making the information readily accessible would lessen the effectiveness of their anti-theft systems. To remedy this, Ditlow has suggested that the National Insurance Crime Bureau, which combats theft and insurance fraud, maintain a database of key codes so they can be easily located.
     Some automakers do indeed provide their information, but not all. And as automobile electronics become increasingly sophisticated and increasingly common, the electronic key problem looks set to continue to dog drivers, experts say. Most luxury cars now have sophisticated electronic key systems, and ear lockouts are among the most common reasons for roadside-assistance calls according to the AAA.  [br] Where did ear owners use to go in order to replace a mechanical car key?
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答案 A hardware store．
解析 第2段提到了a hardware store和dealerships两种地方，前者可以配制传统的机械锁用钥匙，而电子车钥匙必须由后者才能配制，由此可见，前者为本题答案。  
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