Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than shaping a piece of metal. It's an art that ensures 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 cut ting technique for your make and model. The key cutting process takes only a few minutes and is much less expensive than purchasing new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car key. They have patterns that match the pin settings of a lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied from the majority of hardware stores, but an experienced locksmith with the right tools will typically have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and will work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also create laser-cut keys. They are more secure than a standard mechanical key because they feature grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to duplicate and, if someone attempts to make use of a grinder to the key, they'll likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces which will not fit into your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an additional layer of security. They have a tiny chip in their head that communicates to your car, so it can verify that it's authentic keys. If the chip on the key of your car is not compatible, your car will not start. Keys that are programmed to be more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the latest evolution in car keys. They are a combination of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. You can unlock and start your car with this key, and do it by remote. A mobile auto locksmith can make smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the most recent technology.
Many people think they can find an alternative for their damaged or lost mechanical key at hardware stores, but this is not a safe practice. The majority of chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled experts to make a quality key that will work well in your vehicle. It is better to leave the creation of your key to a professional, and you'll save money over the long term by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys cost more to produce than standard keys, but offer an additional layer of security for your car. They are cut from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be placed into the lock from either side and still work. They have a unique design and are more difficult to duplicate.
You can distinguish a key made of lasers 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 as the key is harder to turn. Keys with this design are also less likely to become stuck in the lock since they have a more precise cut.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock, it sends a signal to your car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the right key, and that it is able to be started. If a criminal is able to get their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it. It will be unable to start.
Laser-cut keys have been utilized in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They cost more to make than regular keys and require special equipment, but they provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and efficiently at a reasonable cost if you lose it.
Depending on the car you drive depending on the model, you might need to include a transponder chip into the key to allow it to work. You cannot do this yourself, and dealers charge a significant amount to do it. A reliable locksmith should be able to program your transponder for you however they might not have the same degree of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
The majority of modern cars have laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips, which provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system and permit it to check that the key is legitimate before allowing the engine to start. Even if the thief is able to steal and duplicate the key, they won't be able to use it to start the car as the engine won't be able to start in the event that the code isn't valid.
Transponder Keys
Nearly every car manufactured in the last 20 years or that's why it has a transponder chip inside of it. These are radio transmitters that will prevent your car from starting without the correct key in place. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft since thieves had found a lot of methods to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch with a 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 amount of time, and also confirmed that there was a key in place.
A regular transponder will look like a key made of metal with a top made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder which will transmit a signal to your car once the key is close to. This signal has an electronic serial number that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible then you'll be in a position to operate your vehicle. This is the best anti-theft system that an automaker can put in place as it makes car theft impossible for anyone with an authentic key.
There are a variety of types of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some of them have an old-fashioned transponder chip that is housed in the head of the key. Some include a remote fob which houses the key transponder. Key fobs often have buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder to your vehicle and will program it if you need to. This process is usually simple and involves only just a few steps. The first step is that the new key needs to be cut with the standard metal key cutter, which is usually be done in any automotive retailer. Then, the blank transponder keys will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The process of programming typically takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars use the remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob transmits a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. It can also open the trunk, provided it's equipped.
It is important to keep in mind that a car key fob isn't like the traditional metal key you've got on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that must be correctly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your own fob. It is best to leave the cutting and programming of your key fobs to experts.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside it, similar to a switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be hidden away when not being used. There are also fobs that appear more like the regular key, but without the foldable key.
If you lost your key fob, it can be a real pain to get an alternative. It could require specialized tools or a visit to the dealer. Often, the dealer can only provide a fob that works with the specific model of your car. This is because the dealer has the technology know-how to ensure that the replacement fob works with the security system of your vehicle.
Fortunately the process of obtaining an entirely new key fob is fairly simple if you have the right details. To begin, you'll need to know the year, make and model of your car. Also, you must have a spare key with you to take along.
Gather the necessary tools: Before beginning to program your key fob, consult the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that you have all the required tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a particular mode that may require switching the ignition off and on at a specific number of times, pressing certain buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers might even employ a flashing light or a sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be 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. 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.