Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cut ting is more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's an art form that guarantees 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 correct key cutting procedure for your particular model and make. The process of cutting keys takes a matter of minutes and is much less costly than buying a new car key purchased from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car key. They are made up of ridges and grooves cut into them that line up with the pin settings of a specific lock to unlock it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, but locksmiths who have the right tools will be able to make copies that are more durable and work in your car.
A professional locksmith can make laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys because they have grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to duplicate the key, and if someone is using a grinder to attempt to copy it they'll likely end up leaving some metal pieces that will not fit into the lock.
In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed to add another layer of security. They have a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it is authentic. If the chip on your car's key is not compatible, your car won't start. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the newest advancement in car keys. They are a combination of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your vehicle using the key, and allows you to do so from an extended distance. A professional auto locksmith on the move can make replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes using the most advanced technology.
Many people believe that they can get a replacement for their lost or damaged mechanical key from a hardware store however this isn't an appropriate method. The majority of chains don't have the proper equipment or highly skilled experts to make a quality key that will work well 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 are more expensive to make than standard key blanks but they provide a higher level of security for your car. Lasers are used to carve keys from the middle, permitting them to be put into the lock at either side and still function. They have a unique design and are more difficult to duplicate.
You can discern a laser-cut key from bladed keys with traditional design by the thicker shank that has smaller grooves that have been carved. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car since the key is more difficult to turn. These keys are less likely to get stuck in the lock as they have a more precise cutting.
When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock, it transmits a signal to the car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This signals the car that it is the right key and can be used to start. If a thief is able to get their hands on an unauthorised key, the vehicle transmitter will not register it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury cars since the 1990s. They cost more to produce than standard key blanks and require specialized equipment, but they provide an extra layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours an experienced locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and at a reasonable price.
You may need to have the transponder chip programmed in your key based on the vehicle you own. This isn't something that you can do by yourself and the majority of car dealerships will charge you an amount of money to complete the task for you. A reliable locksmith is likely to be able 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 add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system and permit it to verify that the key is authentic before allowing the engine to start. Even if the thief is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they will not be able to use it to start the car as the engine won't start if the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in almost all cars built in the past 20 years. These are essentially radio transmitters that can prevent your car from starting without the correct key installed. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft as thieves had discovered a myriad of methods to start cars with brute force (pushing the ignition switch with the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved all of this because it only allowed the car to turn on for a short time while also registering that there was a valid key in the ignition.
A normal transponder key will look much like a standard metal key, but with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the actual transponder which will transmit a signal to your car when the key is in close proximity. The signal is an electronic serial number that matches the original transponder that is inside your car. If the signals match the transponder, you'll be in a position to operate your vehicle. This is the best anti-theft technology an automaker can put in place as it makes car theft almost 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 are equipped with an old-fashioned transponder chip that is contained inside the head of the key. Some also have a remote fob that contains the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs typically include buttons which allow you to lock and unlock your car and set the alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you obtain an additional transponder key for your vehicle and even program it for you, if necessary. The process is generally simple and involves just a few steps. The new key has to be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any car dealership. The transponder keys blanks will then have to be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming is generally fast and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars use a remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob is used to send the vehicle a signal to unlock the doors or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if equipped.
Keep in mind that the car fob differs from the conventional keys you may have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that has to be properly programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Don't try to cut your key fob on your own. It is always advisable to take your fob to an expert to cut and program it.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have keys that fold inside it, similar to the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be hidden away when not in use. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, which look like a regular-sized key.
If you lose your key fob, it can be a real pain to get replacement. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, dealers can only offer a fob compatible with your specific model. This is because the dealer has the technology know-how to ensure that the replacement fob works with your car's security system.
The process of obtaining an alternative key fob could be quite simple if have the correct information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. Take an extra key that is functional.
Get the tools you need: Prior to trying to program your key fob, read the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure that you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a specific mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition in a certain amount of times, or some combination of these. Certain manufacturers may also signal the switch to programming mode by sound or light flash.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be cut and programmed. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs for the lower cost than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer so you don't have to rush in order to have your key fob programmed and cut.