Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting requires more than just bent metal. It's an art that ensures security and ease of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting procedure for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys takes just a few minutes and is cheaper than buying new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car key. These keys have a pattern of grooves and ridges cut into them that line up with the pin settings of a specific lock to open it. The majority of hardware stores can duplicate mechanical keys, however a locksmith with the proper tools can create copies that are more durable and work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can make keys that are laser-cut. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to make copies, and if someone tries to grind the key, they will likely leave behind a large amount of metal scraps that won't fit into the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an additional layer of security. These keys contain a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to let it know it is genuine. If the chip inside the key is not connected to your vehicle, it will not start and will remain immobilised. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the newest advancement in car keys. These are the result of combining traditional mechanical keys and a remote control. You can unlock and start your car with this key, and do it remotely. 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 latest technology.
Hardware stores are not the best place to get an alternative mechanical key for damaged or lost keys. car keys cut and programmed do not have the proper equipment or highly skilled experts to be able to create an authentic key that will work well in your vehicle. It is much safer to leave the design of your key to a professional and you'll likely save money in the long run by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to produce than standard keys, but offer an additional layer of security for your vehicle. They are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be put in the lock on either side and still function. They also have a different pattern and are harder to duplicate.
It is possible to distinguish a key made of lasers from traditional bladed keys by the wider shank with smaller grooves that have been carved. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car as the key is more difficult to turn. The keys are less likely to get stuck in the lock as they have a more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut keys inside your lock, a unique signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This informs the car that it's the right key, and that it is able to be used to start. If a burglar manages to get their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle's transmitter will not register it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced in the 1990s and are now used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to make keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. If you lose yours an experienced locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and efficiently for an affordable price.
You may need to have the transponder chip installed in your key, based on the vehicle you drive. You can't do this yourself, and car dealerships charge a significant amount to do it. A reliable locksmith will be able to program your transponder for you even though they may not have the same level of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of most newer vehicles to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system and allow it to check that the key is legitimate before you start the engine. Even if someone succeeds in stealing the key and duplicate it, they won't be capable of using it to start your car as the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Nearly every car manufactured in the last 20 years or that's why it has a transponder chip inside of it. These are radio transmitters which make sure your car isn't started without the correct keys. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft since thieves had discovered a variety of ways to start cars through brute force (pushing the ignition switch using a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved all of that as it could only allow the car to be turned on for a short period of time while also registering that there was a valid key in the ignition.
A regular transponder key will appear like a regular metal key, but with a plastic top. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder that will send a signal to your car whenever the key is within close proximity. This signal contains an electronic serial number which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals match then you'll be able to operate your car. This is the most effective anti-theft system that an automaker can put in place since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone who does not have a valid key.
There are several kinds of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, based on the model. Some have a traditional transponder chip that is contained in the head of the key. Some also have a remote fob which houses the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs typically include buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your car, set the alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder to your vehicle, and even program it if you need to. The process is typically simple and involves only the following steps. First, the new key will need to be cut with a regular metal key cutter, which can be done in any automotive store. The transponder keys that are blank must then be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The procedure of programming usually takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have a remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The key fob sends a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if it is equipped.
It's important to note that a car key fob is not like the traditional metal key that you may have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that needs to be correctly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob yourself. It is always advisable to bring your key fob to a professional for cutting and programming.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some come with an open key that folds inside, much like the switchblade. This lets the fob be smaller and compact when not being used. There are fobs without the foldable feature, that appear like regular-sized keys.
It can be difficult to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It may require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers usually only offer the key fob that is compatible with your car. The dealer has the expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
The process of finding an alternative key fob could be quite simple if have the correct details. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your car. Take an extra key that works.
Gather the Necessary Equipment Before you begin to program your keyfob, check the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure you have the correct tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a particular mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off at a specific number of times or a combination. Some manufacturers may even employ a flashing light or a sound to signal the switch to programming mode.
Once you've gathered the required 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 you time and money because we cut your key fobs at less than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer, so you won't need to rush to work to get your keyfob programed and cut.