Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting keys for cars involves more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's a technique that offers security and ease of mind to vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the appropriate key cutting technique for your model and make. The key-cutting procedure 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 most basic type of car key. These keys have an arrangement that is in line with the pins of the lock to unlock it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, however locksmiths with the right tools can make copies that are more durable and work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can make laser-cut keys. They are more secure than a traditional mechanical key due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to duplicate the key, and if someone uses grinders to try to duplicate the key they'll likely end up leaving behind metal scraps which will not fit in the lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were created to add another 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 isn't matched to your vehicle it will not be able to start and remain in a standstill. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require a professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the latest technology in car keys. They are a combination of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your car using the key, and lets you do it from a distance. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your car in a matter of minutes using the most recent technology.
Many people may think that they can find a replacement for a damaged or lost mechanical key from a hardware store but this is not a safe practice. The majority of hardware stores do not have the tools or highly-trained professionals to create an effective key that will work in your vehicle. It is better to hand over the making of your key to a professional and you'll save money over the long term by opting for this method.
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 keys from the middle allowing them to be inserted into the lock at either side and still function. They also have a distinct pattern and are harder to duplicate.
The longer shank that is thicker and has fewer grooves will help you discern a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car as the key is more difficult to turn. The keys are less likely to get stuck in the lock because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock it sends a signal to the car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the right key and can be started. If a burglar gets their hands on an unauthorised key, the car's transmitter will not be able to recognize it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced in the 1990s and are used in many luxury cars. They cost more to produce than standard key blanks and require specialized equipment, but they add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and easily at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
You may need to have the transponder chip programmed in your key based on the car you own. You can't do this yourself, and car dealerships charge a significant amount to do it. A good locksmith should be able to program your transponder on your behalf even though they may not have the same amount of experience as your local dealer.
The majority of newer vehicles come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips to add an extra layer of security. car key cutting prices are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system and allow it to check that the key is authentic before you start the engine. Even if the thief is capable of stealing and copying the key, they won't be able to use it to start the car since the engine won't be able to start if the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Almost any car built in the last 20 years or therefore will have a transponder chip in it. They are basically radio transmitters that will keep your car from starting without the correct key installed. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft as thieves had developed many 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 able to solve all of that as it would only allow the car to be turned on for a short period of time, but also verify that there was a genuine key in place.
A standard transponder key will look much like a regular metal key with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the transponder that will send an alert to your car when the key is near enough. The signal is the digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is the best anti-theft system that the car manufacturer can employ since it makes car theft impossible for anyone without a valid key.
There are several types of transponder keys which can be used in your vehicle, based on the model. Some of them have a traditional transponder chip that is housed inside the head of the key. Some include an accessory fob that houses the key transponder. Key fobs typically come with buttons that allow you to lock/unlock the car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you obtain an updated transponder key to your vehicle and even program it for you, should you require it. This process is usually fairly straightforward and only requires a few steps. First, the new key has to be cut with the standard metal key cutter, which can usually be done at any automotive retailer. The blank transponder keys will then need 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 key fob sends a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if it is equipped.
It's important to remember that the car key fob isn't like the traditional metal key you've got on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that needs to be correctly programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. This is why you shouldn't attempt cutting your own fob. It is recommended to leave the cutting and programming of your key fobs to professionals.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some come with an internal key that folds into it, similar to a switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be hidden away when it's not in use. You can also find fobs that look more like the regular key, but without the foldable key.
It can be difficult to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a visit to the dealer. Often, dealers can only offer a fob compatible with your specific model. The dealer has the technical knowledge to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
The process of finding an alternative key fob could be relatively simple if you have the right information. You'll need to know your car's year, make, and model. 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 that you have the correct tools and equipment. You will need to enter a special mode that might involve turning the ignition on and off for a certain amount of times, pressing certain buttons or the combination of both. Certain manufacturers may also signal the entry into programming mode with a sound or light flash.
You can bring your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it programmed and cut. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs for a much more reasonable price than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open longer than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.