Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting involves more than just bending a piece metal. It's a technique that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the correct key cutting technique for your make and model. The key cutting process takes only few minutes and is less expensive than buying new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic type of car key and dates back to the early days of locking mechanisms for automobiles. They are made with a pattern that matches the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. Hardware stores are able to copy mechanical keys, but a locksmith with the proper tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and can be used inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also be able to create laser cut keys. These are more secure than traditional mechanical key due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it more difficult to duplicate the key, and, if someone uses a grinder to attempt to duplicate the key they'll likely leave some metal pieces that will not fit into your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an extra layer of security. These keys have an embedded chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to let it know it is legitimate. If the chip inside the key is not connected to your car, it will not start and will remain unresponsive. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than a mechanical one and require a professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the newest evolution in car keys. They are a combination of the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your car with the key, and allows you to do this from an extended distance. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your car in minutes using the latest technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best place to get an alternative mechanical key for the one that has been damaged or lost. The majority of hardware stores do not have the equipment or highly-trained experts to create keys that work in your car. You'll save money and be more secure if you delegate the making of the key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to make than standard keys, but they provide a higher level of security for your car. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle, which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either end and still work. They also have a different design and are more difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to discern a laser-cut key from traditional bladed keys by the thicker shank that has fewer carved grooves. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car because the key is harder to turn. The keys are less likely to be stuck in the lock as they have a more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut keys inside your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This lets the car know it's the right key and allows it to start. If a burglar does manage to obtain an unauthorised copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not register it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They cost more to make than regular key blanks and require specialized equipment, but they add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and easily at a reasonable price if you lose it.
Depending on your car depending on the model, you might need to include a transponder chip into the ignition to get it working. This isn't something you can do on your own, and most car dealerships will charge an amount of money to do it for you. A good locksmith will be able program your transponder, but they may not have as much expertise than your local dealer.
The majority of newer vehicles come with keys laser-cut that have transponder chips, which provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system, allowing it to confirm that the key is genuine before you start the engine. Even if the person who stole it is capable of stealing and copying the key, they won't be able to use it to start the car as the engine will not start if the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in the majority of cars manufactured in the last 20 years. These are essentially radio transmitters that prevent your car from starting if you don't have the correct key installed. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft since thieves had discovered a myriad of ways to start cars through brute force (pushing the ignition switch using the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve the problem since it would only allow the car to turn on for a short time, but also verify that there was a genuine key in place.
A regular transponder will look like a metal key with a top made of plastic. This plastic top contains the actual transponder which will send a signal to your car when the key is within close proximity. This signal contains the digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals are compatible, your car will allow you to operate it. This is one of the best forms of anti-theft technologies that manufacturers of cars have implemented because it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for those who do not have a valid key.
There are a variety of types of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Some of them have the traditional transponder chip which is housed in the head of the key. Others come with remote keys that has the transponder of the key. Key fobs usually feature buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your car, set the alarm, and many other functions.
A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder to your vehicle and can even program it if needed. This procedure is usually straightforward and only involves a few simple steps. The new key has to be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any car dealership. Then, the blank transponder key will need to be programmed for your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The programming process is usually extremely quick and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have an electronic remote keyless system that requires fob. The fob is used to send the vehicle a signal to open the doors or start the motor. If equipped, it can also unlock the boot.
It's important to remember that the car key fob isn't like the traditional metal key that you may have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that needs to be properly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt cutting your own fob. It is always advisable to take your key fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with an open key that folds inside, like a switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and tucked away when not being used. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature that appear like regular-sized keys.
If you lose your key fob it can be a huge trouble to obtain a replacement. It may require specialized tools or a trip to a dealer. Dealers typically only offer a key fob that is compatible with the model you have. The dealer has the technical knowledge to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining the new key fob you want is relatively simple when you have the right details. replacement car key cutting 'll have to know your car's year, make and model. Bring with you a spare key that works.
Get the tools you need: Prior to attempting to program your key fob, make sure you read the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure that you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You will need to enter a particular mode that might involve switching the ignition on and off at a specific number of times, pressing specific buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers may even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it programmed and cut. We can save you time and money because we cut your key fobs for cheaper than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer, so you won't need hurry in order to have your key fob programmed and cut.