Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just creating a metal piece. It's an art that ensures security, convenience, and peace of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting technique for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys takes just about a minute and is much less expensive than purchasing the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car keys. These keys have a pattern of ridges and grooves cut into them that align with the pin settings in the lock to unlock it. Hardware stores are able to copy mechanical keys, but locksmiths with the right tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and can be used in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also capable of creating laser cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys because they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to make a copy and, if someone attempts to make use of a grinder to the key, they'll likely leave behind a large amount of metal pieces that will not fit in your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an extra layer of security. They have a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it is authentic. If the chip in your key isn't matched to your car, it will not start and will remain unresponsive. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the most recent development in car keys. They are a combination of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can open and start your car with this key and do so by remote. A mobile auto locksmith can make smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Many people may think that they can get an alternative for their damaged or lost mechanical key from the hardware store however this isn't a safe practice. The majority of hardware stores do not have the equipment or highly-trained professionals to create a key that works well inside your vehicle. You'll save money as well as be more secure if you let the design of your key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys cost more to make than standard keys, but provide an additional layer of security for your car. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle permitting them to be put into the lock on either side and still function. They also have a unique pattern and are harder to duplicate.
It is possible to tell a laser-cut key apart from traditional bladed keys by the wider shank with less grooves carved. This means the key is harder to turn than the standard key, making it more difficult for thieves to open your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. Keys with this design are less likely to be trapped in locks, because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock, it sends a signal to your car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the right key, and it can be started. If a thief manages to get their hands onto an unauthorized key, the vehicle transmitter will not register it. It 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 one, a professional locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and easily for an affordable price.
You might need to have the transponder chip installed in your key based on the vehicle you drive. It's not something you can do by yourself, and dealerships charge a lot to do it. A good locksmith can program your transponder, however they may not have the same expertise as your local dealer.
The majority of newer vehicles come with laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips, which provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system and permit it to check that the key is legitimate before you start the engine. Even if a thief succeeds in stealing the key and duplicate it, they won't be capable of using it to start your car since the engine won't start in the event that it doesn't have a correct code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in nearly all vehicles built within the last 20 years. 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 because thieves had found a lot of ways to start vehicles with brute force (pushing the ignition switch using the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was a solution to all of this, since it allowed the car to turn on for a brief period of time and also registered that there was a key inside.
A standard transponder can look like a key made of metal with a top made of plastic. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder which will send a message to your car when the key is in close proximity. This signal contains a digital serial number that matches the original transponder that is inside your car. If the signals match your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is the most effective anti-theft technology a car manufacturer can implement because it makes car theft impossible for anyone with an authentic key.
Based on the model, there are several different kinds of transponder keys that are available. Some have the traditional transponder chip which is contained in the head of the key. Some also have a remote fob that contains the transponder of the key. The key fobs will often feature buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your car and set the alarm and many other functions.
A locksmith can help you get you a new transponder for your vehicle, and even program it if needed. This process is usually simple and only involves the following steps. First, the new key has to be cut with the standard metal key cutter, which can usually be done at any automotive retailer. The blank transponder keys will then need to be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process usually takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have an electronic remote keyless system that requires a fob. The fob transmits an alert from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. It can also open the trunk, if equipped.
Keep in mind that the car fob differs from the standard metal keys you may have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob yourself. It is always recommended to take your fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside it, similar to a switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and compact when not in use. There are also fobs that resemble a regular key, without the foldable key.
If you lost your key fob, it could be a major pain to get an alternative. 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. This is because the dealer has the technological know-how to ensure that a replacement fob matches up with the security system of your vehicle.
Fortunately Read the Full Document of obtaining an entirely new key fob is fairly easy if you have the right details. For starters, you need to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Bring with you a spare key that works.
Get the necessary equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob check the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the correct tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a specific mode that may require turning the ignition off and on at a specific number of times, pressing specific buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers will even signal the entry into programming mode by sound or flashing light.
You can bring your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money because we cut your key fobs for cheaper 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.