Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting keys for cars involves more than simply cutting a piece of metal. It's a technique that provides security and convenience as well as peace of mind for car owners.
Bring click here to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the appropriate key cutting technique for your model and make. The process of cutting keys takes only a few minutes and is less expensive 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 kind of car key. They have a pattern that matches 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 generally have better success making copies that are more durable and can work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also capable of creating 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 a grinder to attempt to do so they'll likely leave some metal pieces that will not fit into 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 with your car, so it can verify that it's authentic keys. If the chip inside your key isn't matched to your car it will not be able to start and will remain immobilised. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the newest development in car keys. These are a combination between keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. You can unlock and start your vehicle with this key and operate it via remote. A professional auto locksmith mobile can make replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes using the latest technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option for an alternative mechanical key for damaged or lost keys. Most chains do not have the right equipment or highly skilled experts to make a quality key that can be used in your vehicle. You will save money and be more secure if you let the making of the key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys can be more expensive than standard blanks, but they offer an extra layer of security to your vehicle. Lasers are used to carve them from the middle, which allows them to be inserted into the lock on 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 fewer carved grooves. This means the key is harder to turn than the standard key and makes it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your car without much time and effort. Keys with this design are also less likely to become stuck in locks because they have a more precise cut.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock it sends a signal to the car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This lets the car know that it is the right key, and it can be used to start. If a burglar does manage to steal an unauthorised copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not recognize it and not start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are now used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They cost more to produce than standard keys and require special equipment, but they do add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours, a professional locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and at a reasonable price.
Depending on the model of your car depending on the model, you might need to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to allow it to work. You cannot do this yourself, and dealers charge a lot for it. A reliable locksmith will be able to program your transponder on your behalf, although they may not have the same amount of experience as the dealer you are dealing with.
The majority of newer vehicles come with 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 allow it to verify that the key is genuine before allowing the engine to start. Even if a burglar is able to steal the key and replicate it however, they will not be in a position to start your car because the engine will refuse to start in the event that it doesn't have a proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in almost all cars built in the past 20 years. These are essentially radio transmitters that will keep your car from starting without the proper key in place. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft as thieves had discovered a variety of ways to start vehicles through brute force (pushing the ignition switch using a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved all of that as it would only allow the car to start for a brief period of time, but also verify that there was a valid key in the ignition.
A regular transponder key will appear like a regular metal key with a transparent top. This plastic top contains the actual transponder which will transmit a signal to your car whenever the key is within close proximity. The signal is comprised of a digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals are compatible 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 since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without an official key.
Depending on the model, there are several different types of transponder key that are available. Some keys include a transponder chip inside the head. Others have a remote key fob that includes the key transponder. Key fobs typically have buttons on them that allow you to lock or unlock your car, set the alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you get an additional transponder key for your car and can even program it for you, should you require it. This process is usually simple and only involves a few simple steps. First, the new key has to be cut with the standard metal key cutter, which can usually be done in any automotive store. 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 a remote keyless system that requires a fob. The fob is used to send an alert from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if equipped.
Keep in mind that the car fob differs from the traditional metal keys you've got on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob by yourself. It is always recommended to take your key fob to an expert to cut and program it.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have an open key that can be folded inside, like the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be hidden away when not in use. There are fobs without the foldable feature, which appear like regular-sized keys.
If you lose your key fob it can be a huge hassle to find replacement. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers typically only offer an item that is compatible with your model. This is because the dealer has the technology expertise to make sure the replacement fob works with the security system of your vehicle.
Fortunately, the process of getting an entirely new key fob is fairly easy if you have the right details. You will need to know your car's year, make, and model. Also, you must have a working spare key with you to take along.
Make sure you have the required equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob, review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the right tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a specific mode, which may require pressing certain buttons and turning the ignition off or on a certain number times or a combination. Some manufacturers may even use a flashing light or sound to signal the start of programming mode.
Once you've gathered the required materials, you can bring your key fob to your nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money because we cut your key fobs for a lower price than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer so you don't have to rush to work to get your keyfob programmed and cut.