Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting involves more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's a technique that offers 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 technique for your make and model. The process of cutting keys takes a matter of minutes and is much less costly than purchasing a new car key purchased from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car keys. These keys have patterns that match the pins of the lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied from the majority of hardware stores, but an experienced locksmith with the right tools will usually have better success making copies that are more durable and work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can make keys that are laser-cut. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to duplicate the key and if someone is using a grinder to try to do so, they'll likely leave some metal pieces that will not fit into your lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented to add another layer of security. They have a tiny chip inside the head that communicates to your car to ensure it's authentic keys. If the chip inside the key of your car is not matched, your car won't start. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than a mechanical one and require expert programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the newest evolution in car keys. They are a combination of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can open and start your car using this key and do so remotely. A mobile professional auto locksmith can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option for a new mechanical key to replace a lost or damaged one. The majority of hardware stores do not have the necessary equipment or highly-trained professionals to make keys that work in your vehicle. It is safer to hand over the making of your key to a professional, and you'll likely save money in the long run by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more costly to produce than standard key blanks, but they provide a higher level of security for your vehicle. 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.
The wider shank and less grooves will allow you to discern a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This means the key is more difficult to turn than a standard key which makes it harder for thieves to gain entry into your car without much time and effort. Keys with this design are less likely to be trapped in locks, because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock, it sends a signal to the car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the right key, and it can be used to start. If a criminal manages to obtain an unauthorized copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to make, but they provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace it quickly and easily at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
You might need to have the transponder chip installed in your key based on the car you own. You can't do this by yourself, and dealerships charge a lot to do it. A good locksmith will be able to program your transponder for you however they might not have the same level of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of many newer cars to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with the car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the key prior to starting the motor. Even if a burglar manages to steal the key and duplicate it, they won't be able to use it to start your car because the engine won't start in the event that it doesn't have a correct code.
Transponder Keys
Almost any car built in the past 20 years or therefore will have an embedded transponder chip within it. These are radio transmitters that stop your car from starting if you don't have the correct key installed. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft because thieves had discovered a variety of methods to start cars with 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, since it allowed the car to turn on for a short period of time. It also verified that there was a key present.
A standard transponder key will look much like a regular metal key, but with a plastic top. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder which will transmit a signal to your car when the key is in close proximity. This signal has a serial number digital which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals match then you'll be in a position to operate your vehicle. This is the best anti-theft system that the car manufacturer can employ since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without an official key.
There are several types of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, depending on the model. Certain keys come with an embedded transponder in the head. Others come with an electronic key fob that has the transponder of the key. Key fobs often come with buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you acquire a new transponder key for your car and can even program it for you, if necessary. This process is usually simple and requires only the following steps. The first step is that the new key will need to be cut with an ordinary metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any automotive store. Then, the blank transponder key will need to be programmed for your specific vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. automotive key cutting of programming is typically very quick and only takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars use the remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob is used to send a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors or start the motor. If it is equipped, it will also open the boot.
Keep in mind that the car fob is different from the traditional metal keys you've got on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. You should never try to cut your key fob on your own. It's best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to experts.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with an open key that folds inside, similar to an ad-hoc switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be tucked away when not in use. You can also find fobs that resemble an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob, it can be a huge trouble to obtain replacement. It may require special tools or a trip to a dealership. Dealers can often only provide an item that is compatible with your model. This is because the dealer has the technological expertise to make sure a replacement fob matches up with the security system of your vehicle.
Fortunately the process of obtaining an entirely new key fob is fairly easy if you have the right information. You'll need to know your car's year of manufacture, year of manufacture, and model. Bring an extra key that is functional.
Make sure you have the required equipment Before you begin to program your keyfob, review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure you have the correct tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a particular mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off a certain number times or the combination of. Some manufacturers will even signal the switch to programming mode by making a sound or light flash.
You can bring your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it programmed and cut. We can save you time and money as we cut your key fobs at less than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer, so you won't need to rush in order to have your key fob programmed and cut.