Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It's a technique that offers security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting technique for your car's brand and model. The process of cutting keys takes only a few minutes and is cheaper than purchasing a new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest form of car key and go back to the early days of locking mechanisms for automobiles. They have a pattern of grooves and ridges carved into them that line up with the pins in the lock to open it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at the majority of hardware stores, but an experienced locksmith with the right tools will typically have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and can work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith will also be able to create laser cut keys. They are more secure than a standard mechanical key because they feature grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it more difficult to duplicate the key, and if someone uses grinders to try to copy it they'll likely leave some metal pieces that will not fit into your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an extra layer of security. They have a tiny chip in their head that communicates with your car, so it can verify that it's a genuine key. If the chip in the key of your car is not compatible, your car will not start. These keys are more expensive than a mechanical key and require expert programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the most recent development in car keys. They are a combination of the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your car using the key, and lets you do it from the distance. A professional auto locksmith mobile can make replacement smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option for a replacement mechanical key for the one that has been damaged or lost. The majority of hardware stores don't have the necessary equipment or highly-trained professionals to create keys that work inside your vehicle. It is much 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 can be more expensive than standard blanks, however they add an additional security feature to your vehicle. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle permitting them to be put into the lock on either end, and work. They feature a distinct pattern that is more difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to distinguish a key made of lasers from traditional bladed keys due to the thicker shank that has less grooves carved. This means that the key is harder to turn than a standard key which makes it harder for thieves to gain entry into your car without a lot of time and effort. The keys are less likely to be caught in the lock, since they have more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut key in your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This informs the car that it's the right key, and that it is able to be started. If a thief does manage to obtain an unauthorized copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not register it and not start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced in the 1990s, and are currently used in many luxury cars. They are more expensive and require special equipment them, but they offer an extra layer security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and easily at a reasonable cost if you lose it.
Depending on the car you drive, you may need to include a transponder chip into the key to allow it to work. This isn't something that you can do by yourself and most dealerships will charge an expense of a few hundred dollars to do it for you. A reliable locksmith should be able to program your transponder on your behalf, although they may not have the same level of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
The majority of modern cars have laser-cut keys with transponder chips that provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered with your car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the key prior to starting the motor. Even if someone succeeds in stealing the key and replicate it however, they will not be able to use it to start your car since the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Most cars built in the past 20 years or so will have an embedded transponder chip within it. These are radio transmitters that keep your car from starting if you don't have the correct key in place. 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 with flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip was the answer to all of this as it only allowed the car to turn on for a short amount of time and also registered that there was a key inside.
A regular transponder will look like a key made of steel with a top made of plastic. This plastic top contains the actual transponder, which will send a signal to your car whenever the key is in close proximity. This signal contains an electronic serial number that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals match, you will be in a position to operate your vehicle. This is one of the best forms of anti-theft technologies that a car manufacturer has implemented as it has made car theft almost impossible for those who do not have a valid key.
There are a variety of kinds of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some of them have a traditional transponder chip that is housed inside the head of the key. Some include a remote fob that contains the key transponder. Key fobs typically have buttons on them that can lock/unlock your car or set the alarm and other functions.
A locksmith can help you obtain an updated transponder key to your car, and can program it for you, if needed. The process is generally straightforward and only requires several steps. First, the new key needs to be cut using an ordinary metal key cutter, which can be done at any automotive retailer. The transponder keys blanks will then have to be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming is typically extremely quick and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars use a remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob's key sends an electronic signal to the vehicle to open doors or start the engine. It also opens the trunk, provided it's equipped.
It is important to keep in mind that the car key fob isn't like the traditional key you might have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that has to be programmed correctly to work with your specific vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob on your own. Recommended Studying is recommended to leave cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to experts.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have an open key that folds inside, much like the switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be tucked away when it's not in use. You can find fobs without the foldable feature, which look like normal-sized keys.
If you lose your key fob, it can be a huge trouble to obtain replacement. It may require specialized tools or a trip to a dealership. Usually, the dealer will only provide a fob that works with the specific model of your car. The dealer has the expertise to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining the new key fob you want is fairly simple if you have the right details. First, you have to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Take with you a spare key that works.
Gather the Necessary 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 need to enter a special mode that might involve switching the ignition off and on a certain number of times, pressing certain buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers might even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the switch to programming mode.
You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it cut and programmed. We can save your time and money since we cut your key fobs for less than the dealership. We are open earlier than the dealer and you won't have to rush to get your keyfob programmed and cut.