Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than cutting a piece of metal. It's a skill that provides security, convenience and peace of mind to vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the correct key cutting procedure for your particular model and make. The key-cutting procedure takes only few minutes and is less expensive than buying a new car key at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest form of car key and date back to the beginning of automobile locks. They have a pattern of grooves and ridges carved into them that line up with the pin settings in a specific lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at many hardware stores, however a professional locksmith with the right tools will typically have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and will work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also able to make keys that are laser-cut. They are more secure than a standard mechanical key because they feature grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it more difficult to duplicate the key, and, if someone uses a grinder to try to copy it they'll likely end up leaving some metal pieces that won't fit in the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an additional layer of security. They have a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it is genuine. If the chip in the key is not connected to your vehicle it will not be able to start and will remain immobilised. Keys that are programmed to be more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the most recent technology in car keys. They're the result of combining traditional mechanical keys and remote control. This lets you unlock and start your car using the key, and allows you to do this from the distance. A mobile professional auto locksmith can make 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 get a replacement for their damaged or lost mechanical key at the hardware store however this isn't a good idea. Most chains do not have the proper equipment or highly skilled professionals to make a quality key that can be used in your vehicle. You will save money and be more secure if you let the design of your key to an expert.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys can be more expensive than regular blanks, however they add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. They are carved from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be placed into the lock from either side, and work. They have a unique pattern and are more difficult to duplicate.
The thicker shank with fewer grooves will help you discern a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car as the key is harder to turn. These keys are less likely to get trapped in locks, as they have a more precise cutting.
When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock, it sends a signal to your car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the right key, and it can be used to start. If a criminal is able to get their hands on an unauthorised key, the vehicle transmitter will not register it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced in the 1990s and are used in many luxury cars. They cost more to produce than standard keys and require specialized equipment, but they do add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and easily at a reasonable price if you lose it.
Depending on your car, you may need to include a transponder chip into the ignition to get it to work. This isn't something that 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 to program your transponder for you however they might not have the same amount of experience as the dealer you are dealing with.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of many modern cars to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with your ignition system, allowing it to verify the key prior to making the motor start. Even if someone succeeds in stealing the key and replicate it but isn't capable of using 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 therefore will have a transponder chip in it. These are essentially radio transmitters that can keep your car from starting without the proper key in place. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against car theft, since thieves had devised a variety of ways to start cars by brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip was a solution to all of this because it only allowed the car to turn on for a short period of time and also registered that there was a key present.
A regular transponder will look like a metal key with an outer cover made of plastic. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder, which will transmit a signal to your car whenever the key is in close proximity. The signal is an electronic serial number that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals match, your car will allow you to operate it. This is among the best forms of anti-theft technologies that a car manufacturer has implemented since it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for those who do not have a valid keys.
There are a variety of types of transponder keys which can be utilized in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some of them have a traditional transponder chip that is housed inside the head of the key. Some also have a remote fob that contains the key transponder. Key fobs often have buttons that allow you to lock/unlock the car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help get you a new transponder for your vehicle and can even program it if needed. The process is generally simple and involves several steps. The new key has to be cut using a key cutter. This can be done at any auto shop. Then, the blank transponder keys will need to be programmed for your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The procedure of programming usually takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have a remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The key fob sends an alert from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if it is equipped.
Remember that a car fob is different from the standard metal keys you've got on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. That's why you should never attempt to cut your own fob. It is always advisable to bring your fob to an expert to cut and program it.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have a key that can be folded inside, much like a switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be tucked away when not being used. There are fobs without the foldable feature, which look like normal-sized keys.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob when you lose it. It may require special tools or a visit to the dealer. Usually, the dealer will only offer a fob compatible with the specific model of your car. The dealer has the technical expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
The process of finding the replacement key fob you need can be fairly simple if you have the correct information. You'll be required to know the car's year, make, and model. Also, you should have a working spare key to bring along.
Get the necessary equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob, check the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure you have the correct tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a special mode that might involve switching the ignition on and off for a certain amount of times, triggering certain buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers will even signal entry into programming mode with a sound or flashing lights.
After you've gathered all the necessary materials, you can bring your key fob to your nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs at a a much more reasonable price than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open later than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.