Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting car keys involves more than simply bending a piece metal. It's a technique that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to vehicle owners.
Bring your key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting technique for your car's brand and model. The key cutting process takes only few minutes and is less expensive than buying new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic type of car key and go back to the early days of locking mechanisms for automobiles. These keys have a pattern that matches the pin settings of a lock to open it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, however locksmiths who have the right tools can create copies that are more durable and will work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also able to create laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys because they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to duplicate or if someone tries to use a grinder on the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces which will not fit into your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an extra layer of security. They have an embedded chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it is authentic. If the chip inside your key is not matched to your car it will not begin and will remain immobilised. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than a mechanical key and require a professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the most recent technology in car keys. They are a combination of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your car using the key, and lets you do it from the distance. A mobile professional auto locksmith can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option to purchase a new mechanical key to replace damaged or lost keys. The majority of hardware stores don't have the equipment or highly-trained experts to create an effective key that will work in your car. It is safer to hand over the making of your key to a professional, and you'll save money over the long term by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to produce than standard key blanks but provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. They are carved from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either side and still work. They have a distinctive pattern and are more difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to tell a laser-cut key apart from traditional bladed keys due to the thicker shank that has smaller grooves that have been carved. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car as the key is harder to turn. The keys are less likely to be stuck in the lock because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock, it sends a signal to the car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the right key and can be started. If a thief does manage to get their hands on an unauthorized copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and will not start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require special equipment to create, but they provide an extra layer security for your vehicle. If you lose yours a professional locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and efficiently for a reasonable price.
You may need to have the transponder chip programmed into your key depending on the vehicle you own. You cannot do this by yourself, and dealerships charge a significant amount to do it. A reputable locksmith will be able program your transponder, but they might not have as much expertise as the local dealer.
The majority of modern cars have keys laser-cut that have transponder chips to add an extra layer of security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system, allowing it to check that the key is genuine before allowing the engine to start. Even if a thief manages to steal the key and copy it, they won't be able to use it to start your car as the engine won't start if it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Most cars built in the last 20 years or that's why it has an embedded transponder chip within it. These are essentially radio transmitters that will prevent your car from starting without the proper key in place. This was a major innovation in the fight against auto theft because thieves had discovered a myriad of ways to start cars through brute force (pushing the ignition switch with the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was a solution to all of this as it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short period of time. It also verified that there was a key inside.
A regular transponder key will look much like a normal metal key with a transparent top. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder, which will send a signal to your car when the key is within close proximity. key cutting car contains a serial number digital that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible the transponder, you'll be able to operate your car. This is the best security system an automaker can put in place because it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without an authentic key.
Depending on the model, there are different types of transponder key that are available. Some keys include a transponder chip in the head. Some have a remote key fob that has the key transponder. The key fobs will often feature buttons that can lock/unlock your vehicle or set the alarm and other functions.
A locksmith can assist you obtain an updated transponder key to your vehicle and even program it for you, if necessary. The process is typically simple and involves only the following steps. First, the new key has to be cut using the standard metal key cutter, which can be done at any auto store. Then, the transponder keys will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The programming process usually takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have the remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The key fob sends a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors or start the motor. It can also open the trunk, if it is equipped.
Keep in mind that the car fob differs from the traditional metal keys that you might have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that has to be correctly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt cutting your own fob. It's always best to bring your fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some feature keys that fold inside it, similar to 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 a regular-sized key.
If you lose your key fob it can be a huge pain to get replacement. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers can often only provide an item that is compatible with your model. The dealer has the technical knowledge to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining an entirely new key fob is relatively simple when you have the right information. For starters, you need to know the year, model and year of your car. You should also have a spare key to bring along.
Gather the Necessary Equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob, review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure you have the right tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a specific mode that may require switching the ignition on and off at a specific number of times, triggering certain buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers might even employ a flashing light or a sound to signal the switch to programming mode.
Once you've gathered the required items, you can take your key fob into your closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can save you time and money because we cut your key fobs at cheaper than the dealership. We are open earlier than the dealer and you won't have to rush to get your keyfob programed and cut.