Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting involves more than just bent metal. It's a technique that provides security and ease of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the appropriate key cutting technique for your make and model. The key-cutting procedure takes only few minutes and is cheaper than buying the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car key. They have a pattern of grooves and ridges carved into them that align with the pin settings of the lock to unlock it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, but locksmiths with the right tools can create copies that are more durable and can be used in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also be capable of making laser-cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys as they have grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to make a copy, and if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they'll likely leave behind a large amount of metal scraps that will not fit in your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an extra layer of security. These keys have a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to inform it that it is legitimate. If the chip inside your key is not matched to your car it will not begin and remain in a standstill. Keys that are programmed to be more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the most recent evolution in car keys. They are a combination of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your vehicle with the key, and allows you to do so from a distance. A professional auto locksmith on the move can create smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in just a few minutes using the most advanced technology.
Many people may think that they can find a replacement for a damaged or lost mechanical key from hardware stores however this isn't an appropriate method. The majority of hardware stores don't have the necessary equipment or highly-trained professionals to make keys that work in your vehicle. It is much safer to leave the creation of your key to a professional and you'll likely save money in the long run by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to produce than standard key blanks, but they provide a higher level of security for your car. They are cut from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be put in the lock on either side and still work. They have a distinctive pattern and are more difficult to duplicate.
The thicker shank with smaller grooves can help you distinguish a laser-cut from a bladed traditional key. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car because the key is harder to turn. These keys are less likely to get caught in the lock, since they have more precise cutting.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock it transmits a signal to the car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the correct key and allows it to start. If a thief gets their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle transmitter will not recognize it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are now used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require special equipment keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. If you lose yours, a professional locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and at reasonable cost.
Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to include a transponder chip into the key to get it working. This isn't something you can do by yourself, and most car dealerships will charge you an arm and a leg to perform the program for you. A reputable locksmith will be able programme your transponder, but they might not have the same experience as your local dealer.
Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips, which provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system and allow it to confirm that the key is legitimate before you start the engine. Even if someone succeeds in stealing the key and replicate it but isn't in a position to start your car because the engine won't start when it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Most cars built in the past 20 years or therefore will have a transponder chip inside of it. These are essentially radio transmitters that can stop your car from starting without the correct key installed. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft since thieves had discovered a variety of ways to start cars with brute force (pushing the ignition switch using the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved all of this because it could only allow the car to be turned on for a short time, while also registering that there was a genuine key in the ignition.
A standard transponder can look like a key made of steel with a top made of plastic. This plastic top contains the actual transponder that will send a signal to your car when the key is within close proximity. This signal contains the digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals match, your car will allow you to operate it. This is among the most effective forms of anti-theft technology the car manufacturer has put in place since it has made car theft nearly impossible for anyone who doesn't have a valid key.
Based on the model, there are different kinds of transponder keys that are available. Some are equipped with an old-fashioned transponder chip that is contained inside the head of the key. Others have an electronic key fob that includes the key transponder. Key fobs usually have buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car or set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder for your vehicle and can even program it if needed. This process is usually fairly simple and involves several steps. The new key must be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any car dealership. Then, the transponder key will need to be programmed for your specific vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The programming process is usually fast and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have an electronic remote keyless system that requires a fob. The fob is used to send an alert from your vehicle to unlock the doors or start the motor. If it's equipped, it can also open the boot.
Be aware that a car fob is different from the standard metal keys you've got on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. That's why you should never attempt to cut your fob yourself. It's best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to professionals.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some come with an open key that folds inside, much like the switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be tucked away when it's not being used. There are fobs without the foldable feature that look like normal-sized keys.
If you lose your key fob it can be a real trouble to obtain a replacement. It may require specialized tools or a trip to a dealer. Often, the dealer can only provide a fob that is compatible with the specific model of your car. The dealer has the expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
The process of obtaining the replacement key fob you need can be relatively simple if you have the correct information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Also, you must have a spare key with you to take along.
Gather Necessary Tools: Before trying to program your key fob, consult the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a special mode that may require switching the ignition off and on at a specific number of times, triggering certain buttons or a combination of both. auto key cutting might even employ an illuminated light or sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
Once you've collected the necessary materials, you'll be able to bring your key fob to the nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We'll save your time and money since we cut your key fobs at a lower price than the dealership. We are also open longer than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.