Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting keys for cars involves more than just bending a piece metal. It's a technique that offers security and ease of mind to vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting method for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys takes just a few minutes and is cheaper than buying new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car keys. They have a pattern of ridges and grooves cut into them that align with the pins in the lock that allows you to open it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at many hardware stores, however a professional locksmith with the right tools will usually have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and will work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith will also be able to create 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 make a copy, and if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they'll likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces that won't fit into the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an extra layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip in the head that transmits information to your car, so it can verify that it's authentic keys. If the chip inside your key is not matched to your car it will not begin and remain in a standstill. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the most recent technology in car keys. They're a mix of the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your car using the key, and allows you to do so from the distance. A professional auto locksmith mobile can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Many people believe that they can find an alternative for their damaged or lost mechanical key from a hardware store, but this is not a good idea. Most hardware stores do not have the tools or highly-trained experts to create a key that works well inside your vehicle. You'll save money and be more secure if you delegate the design of your key to an expert.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to make than standard key blanks but offer an additional layer of security for your car. They are cut from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be placed into the lock from either side, and work. They also have a distinct pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and fewer grooves will help you discern a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes the key harder to turn than the standard key and makes it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. Keys with this design are also less likely to get stuck in locks because they are more precise cut.
When you insert the laser-cut keys into your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This informs the car that it's the right key and allows it to start. If a thief is able to get their hands onto an unauthorized key, the vehicle transmitter will not recognize it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s, and are currently used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to make them, but they offer an extra layer security for your vehicle. If you lose yours a professional locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and easily for an affordable price.
Depending on your car, you may need to include a transponder chip into the ignition to get it to work. You cannot do this yourself, and car dealerships charge a lot for it. A reliable locksmith will be able program your transponder, but they might not have as much expertise as the local dealer.
Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of most newer cars to provide an extra layer 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 a burglar manages to steal the key and duplicate it however, they will not be in a position to start your car as the engine won't start if it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in the majority of cars manufactured in the last 20 years. They are basically radio transmitters that stop your car from starting without the proper key in place. This was a major innovation in the fight against auto theft because thieves had discovered a myriad of ways to start cars through brute force (pushing the ignition switch with a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve all of that as it only allowed the car to start for a brief period of time while also registering that there was a genuine key in place.
A normal transponder will appear like a key made of steel with an outer cover made of plastic. This plastic top houses the transponder, which will send an alert to your car when the key is close enough. This signal contains the digital serial number that matches the original transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible then you'll be in a position to operate your vehicle. This is the most effective security system a car manufacturer can implement as it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone with an authentic key.
Depending on the model, there are different types of transponder key that are available. Certain keys come with a transponder chip inside the head. Some also have a remote fob which houses the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs typically have buttons on them that allow you to lock or unlock your car or set the alarm and many other functions.
A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder for your vehicle, and even program it if you need to. This process is usually fairly straightforward and only requires a few steps. The new key needs to be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any automotive store. Then, the transponder key will need to be programmed for your particular vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The process of programming typically takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have the remote keyless system which requires fob. The fob is used to send an alert from your vehicle to unlock the doors or start the motor. If it's equipped, it can also open the boot.
Be aware that the car fob differs from the standard metal keys you've got on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. You should never try to cut your key fob yourself. It is best to leave the cutting and programming of your key fobs to experts.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some feature a key that folds inside it, similar to a switchblade. key cutting open now allows the fob to be smaller and tucked away when not in use. There are also fobs that look more like a regular key, without the foldable key.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob if you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a visit to the dealer. Dealers can often only provide the key fob that is compatible with the model you have. 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 getting a new key fob is fairly simple if you have the right information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. You should also have a working spare key that you can bring with you.
Gather the necessary tools: Before beginning to program your key fob, make sure you read the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you have all the required tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a specific mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons and turning the ignition off or on a certain number times or the combination of. Some manufacturers may even use an illuminated light or sound to signal the switch to programming mode.
Once you've collected the necessary items, you can take your key fob to the nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money because we cut your key fobs at less than the dealership. We are also open longer than the dealership so you don't have to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.