Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting involves more than simply bending a piece metal. It's a skill that provides security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting procedure for your model and make. The key-cutting process takes a matter of minutes and is less expensive than a replacement car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest type of car key and date back to the early days of automobile locks. They have a pattern of grooves and ridges cut into them that align with the pins in the lock to open it. Hardware stores are able to copy mechanical keys, however locksmiths with the right tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith will also be able to create laser cut keys. These are more secure than a standard mechanical key since they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it harder to duplicate or if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces that will not fit in the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an additional layer of security. They have a tiny chip inside the head that communicates to your car, so it can verify that it's authentic keys. If the chip inside your key is not matched to your vehicle it will not begin and will remain unresponsive. Keys that are programmed to be more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the most recent development in car keys. These are a combination between the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your vehicle using the key, and allows you to do this from the distance. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your vehicle in minutes using the latest technology.
Hardware stores are not the best place to get a replacement mechanical key for damaged or lost keys. The majority of hardware stores don't have the equipment or highly-trained experts to create a key that works well inside your vehicle. You will save money and be more secure if you let the creation of the key to an expert.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive than standard blanks, but they offer an extra security feature to your vehicle. They are carved from the middle using a laser which allows them to be put into the lock on either side and still work. They have a distinctive design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The longer shank that is thicker and has fewer grooves will help you identify a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. car key cutting near me means the key is harder to turn than a standard key, making it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your car without a lot of time and effort. They are also less likely to get stuck in the lock since they have a more precise cut.
When you insert a laser-cut keys into your lock, it transmits a signal to the 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 burglar does manage to steal an unauthorized copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not register it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced in the 1990s, and are currently used in many luxury cars. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to create keys, but they do provide an extra layer security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and efficiently at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
Depending on the car you drive it may be necessary to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to allow it to work. You cannot do this yourself, and car dealerships charge a lot for it. A good locksmith will be able to program your transponder on your behalf however they might not have the same amount of experience as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of most newer vehicles to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system and allow it to confirm that the key is legitimate before allowing the engine to start. Even if someone manages to steal the key and copy it but isn't 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
Most cars built in the past 20 years or so will have a transponder chip in it. These are radio transmitters that prevent your car from being started without the correct keys. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft because thieves had discovered a myriad of methods to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch using a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved the problem since it would only allow the car to turn on for a short time while also registering that there was a genuine key in place.
A regular transponder will look like a key made of steel with an outer cover made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder that will send the signal to your car when the key is near enough. The signal is a serial number digital that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals match your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is one of the best forms of anti-theft technology a car manufacturer has implemented as it has made car theft nearly impossible for anyone who does not have a valid keys.
Depending on the model, there are different types of transponder key that can be used. Some of them have a traditional transponder chip that is housed inside the head of the key. Some have an electronic key fob which includes the key transponder. Key fobs usually feature buttons which allow you to lock and unlock your car or set the alarm and many other functions.
A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder to your vehicle and will program it if needed. This procedure is usually straightforward and involves only just a few steps. The first step is that the new key has to be cut using the standard metal key cutter, which can usually be done in any automotive store. The transponder keys that are blank will then have to be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming typically takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have the remote keyless system which requires fob. The fob is used to send a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. If it's equipped, it can also open the boot.
It's important to note that a car key fob isn't like the traditional metal key that you may have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that 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 recommended to leave 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 the switchblade. This lets the fob be smaller and compact when not in use. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, that look like normal-sized keys.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Usually, the dealer will only provide a fob that works with your specific model. This is because the dealer has the technology experience to ensure that a replacement fob matches up with your car's security system.
The process of finding a replacement key fob can be fairly simple if you have the right information. First, you have to know the year, model and year of your car. You should also have a spare key to bring along.
Get the tools you need: Prior to attempting to program your key fob, consult the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you have all the required tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a particular mode that might involve turning the ignition off and on at a specific number of times, pressing certain buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers may even employ an illuminated light or sound to signal the start of programming mode.
After you've gathered all the necessary materials, you can bring your key fob to your closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can save your time and money since we cut your key fobs for a lower price than the dealership. We are open later than the dealership, so you won't need to rush to work to have your key fob programmed and cut.