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 skill that offers security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting procedure for your particular model and make. The process of cutting keys takes just few minutes and is cheaper than buying a new car key at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car keys. They have an arrangement that is in line with the pin settings of a lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied at most hardware stores, but a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will usually have better success making copies that are more durable and can work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also able to make laser-cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys because they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to duplicate the key, and, if someone uses grinders to try to copy it, they'll likely leave some metal pieces that will not fit into your lock.
In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed to provide an additional layer of security. These keys have a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to inform it that it is genuine. If the chip on the car's key isn't properly matched, the car won't start. These keys are more costly than a mechanical one and require professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the most recent technology in car keys. These are the result of combining a traditional mechanical key and remote control. You can unlock and start your vehicle with this key and operate it via remote. A professional auto locksmith on the move can make replacement smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the latest technology.
Many people believe that they can get an alternative for their damaged or lost mechanical key from the hardware store, but this is not an appropriate method. key cut service of hardware stores do not have the tools or highly-trained professionals to create a key that works well in your vehicle. It is better to hand over the making of your key to a professional, and you will most likely save money in the long run by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more costly to produce than standard keys, but they provide a higher level of security for your vehicle. Lasers are used to cut them from the middle, allowing them to be inserted into the lock at either end and still work. They also have a distinct pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to tell a laser-cut key apart from bladed keys with traditional design by the thicker shank that has less grooves carved. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car because the key is more difficult to turn. Keys with this design are also less likely to get stuck in the lock since they are more precise cut.
When you insert the laser-cut keys in your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the car's receiver. This lets the car know that it's the correct key, and that it is able to be started. If a burglar does manage to get their hands on an unauthorized copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not register it and will not start.
Laser-cut keys have been utilized in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require special equipment them, but they offer 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 the model of your car it may be necessary to include a transponder chip into the key to get it working. This isn't something that you can do by yourself and most dealerships will charge an amount of money to complete the task for you. A reliable locksmith should be able to program your transponder for you, although they may not have the same level of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
The majority of modern cars have keys laser-cut that have transponder chips to add an extra layer of security. These chips are registered with the ignition system, allowing it to verify the key prior to making the motor start. Even if a thief is able to steal the key and copy it, they won't be able to use it to start your car because the engine won't start if it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in the majority of cars manufactured in the last 20 years. These are radio transmitters that will prevent your car from starting without the proper key in place. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft because thieves had discovered a myriad of ways to start cars through brute force (pushing the ignition switch using the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the answer to all of this, since it allowed the car to be turned on for a brief period of time, and also confirmed that there was a key present.
A normal transponder will appear like a key made of metal with the top made of plastic. This plastic top houses the actual transponder that will send a signal to your car whenever the key is near enough. The signal is an electronic serial number which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals are compatible then you'll be able to operate your car. This is one of the best forms of anti-theft technology that manufacturers of cars have implemented since it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for anyone who does not have a valid key.
Depending on the model, there are several different types of transponder key that can be used. Some keys have an embedded transponder in the head. Others come with an electronic key fob that has the key transponder. Key fobs usually have buttons on them which allow you to lock and unlock your car, set the alarm, and many other functions.
A locksmith can help get you a new transponder to your vehicle, and even program it if you need to. The process is typically simple and involves only just a few steps. The new key must be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be done at any auto shop. Then, the transponder keys will need to be programmed for your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The process of programming typically takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have the remote keyless system which requires a fob. The key fob sends the vehicle a signal to open the doors or start the motor. If it's equipped, it can also open the boot.
Keep in mind that the car fob is different from the traditional metal keys that you might have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. That's why you should never attempt cutting your own fob. It is always advisable to take your key fob to a professional to cut and program it.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with keys that fold inside it, similar to a switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and tucked away when not being used. You can also find fobs that look more like an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
It may be difficult to replace your key fob if you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to a dealership. Dealers can often only provide an item that is compatible with your car. The dealer has the technical expertise to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
Fortunately, the process of getting the new key fob you want is relatively simple when you have the right information. First, you have to know the year, model and year of your car. Bring an extra key that works.
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 need to enter a particular mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons and turning the ignition off or on a certain number times or the combination of. Some manufacturers will even signal the switch to programming mode with a sound or flashing light.
You can bring your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money as 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 work in order to get your keyfob programed and cut.