Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting car keys requires more than just bending a piece metal. It's a technique that provides security and convenience as well as peace of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting technique for your make and model. The process of cutting keys is just a few minutes and is cheaper than purchasing a new car key purchased from a dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car key. These keys have a pattern of grooves and ridges cut into them that align with the pin settings in the lock that allows you to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied at many hardware stores, however a professional locksmith with the right tools will usually have better success making copies that are more durable and work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith will also be capable of creating laser cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys because they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it harder to make copies or if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they'll likely leave behind a large amount of metal scraps which will not fit into the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an extra layer of security. These keys contain an embedded chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to let it know it is legitimate. If the chip on the car's key isn't matched, your car will not start. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than mechanical keys and require a professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the latest advancement in car keys. They're a combination of the traditional mechanical key and remote control. This lets you unlock and start your car with the key, and allows you to do this from a distance. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your car within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Many people think they can find a replacement for a damaged or lost mechanical key at the hardware store but this is not an appropriate method. The majority of chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled professionals to make an authentic key that works in your vehicle. It is much safer to hand over the making of your key to a professional and you'll likely save money in the end by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to produce than standard keys, but offer an additional layer 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 work. They have a distinctive design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The longer shank that is thicker and has fewer grooves will help you discern a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This means that the key is more difficult to turn than the standard key and makes it more difficult for thieves to open your car without a lot of time and effort. They are also less likely to get stuck in the lock since they are more precise cut.
When you insert a laser-cut keys into your lock it sends a signal to your car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This lets the car know that it's the correct key and can be used to start. If a thief does manage to steal an unauthorised copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it and will not start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s and are used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive to produce than standard keys and require specialized equipment, but they add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and efficiently at a reasonable cost if you lose it.
Depending on the model of your car, you may need to have a transponder chip programmed into the ignition to get it working. This isn't something you can do on your own, and most car dealers will charge an expense of a few hundred dollars to complete the task for you. A reliable locksmith will be able program your transponder, but they might not have as much expertise than your local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of a majority of modern cars to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system, allowing it to confirm that the key is legitimate before starting the engine. Even if the thief is able to steal and duplicate the key, they will not be able to use it to start the car since the engine won't be able to start when the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Almost any car built in the past 20 years or that's why it has a transponder chip inside of it. These are essentially radio transmitters that will stop your car from starting if you don't have the correct key installed. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft as thieves had come up with a variety of methods to start cars with brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip was the solution to all of this because it only allowed the car to turn on for a short amount of time and also registered that there was a key in place.
A regular transponder will look like a key made of steel with an outer cover made of plastic. This plastic top contains the actual transponder which 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 in your car. If the signals are compatible then you'll be capable of operating your car. This is the most effective security system the car manufacturer can employ as it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone with a valid key.
There are several kinds of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some have the traditional transponder chip which is contained inside the head of the key. Some include a remote fob which houses the key transponder. Key fobs typically feature buttons which allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set the alarm, and other functions.
A locksmith can help you obtain an additional transponder key for your car, and can program it for you, should you require it. The process is typically simple and involves only a few simple steps. The new key needs to be cut using a key cutter. This can be done at any automotive store. The transponder keys blanks will then need to be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming is generally extremely quick and takes around 10 minutes.
car key cutting and programming have the remote keyless system which requires a fob. The fob is used to send a signal from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. If equipped, it can also open the boot.
Keep in mind that the car fob differs from the conventional keys that you might have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. You should never try to cut your key fob by yourself. It's best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to professionals.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some feature keys that fold inside it, much like the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be tucked away when not in use. There are also fobs that look more like an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob, it could be a major trouble to obtain replacement. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, dealers can only provide a fob that works with the specific model of your car. The dealer has the expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
The process of obtaining the replacement key fob you need can be fairly simple if you have the correct information. First, you have to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. Bring with you a spare key that is functional.
Gather Necessary Tools: Before beginning to program your key fob, consult the manual of the manufacturer to ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a particular mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition a certain number times or a combination. Some manufacturers may even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the switch to programming mode.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it programmed and cut. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs for a much more reasonable price than the dealership. We are also open longer than the dealership so you don't have to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.