Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just creating a metal piece. It's an art that ensures security and ease of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting technique for your model and make. The key-cutting procedure takes only few minutes and is cheaper than buying the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic form of car key and date back to the early days of automobile locks. They are made up of grooves and ridges carved into them that align with the pin settings of a specific lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied at many hardware stores, however an experienced locksmith with the right tools will generally have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and will work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith will also be able to create laser cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to duplicate or if someone tries to use a grinder on the key, they'll likely leave behind a large amount of metal pieces that will not fit in your lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented as an additional layer of security. These keys have a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your car to confirm that it is legitimate. If the chip inside your key is not matched to your vehicle, it will not start and will remain unresponsive. These keys are more costly than a mechanical key and require expert cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the most recent evolution in car keys. These are a combination between the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your vehicle with the key, and allows you to do this from an extended distance. A professional auto locksmith on the move can create smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in a matter of minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores are not the best place to get a new mechanical key to replace damaged or lost keys. The majority of hardware stores don't have the equipment or highly-trained professionals to create an effective key that will work in your car. It is much safer to hand over the making of your key to a professional and you'll save money in the end by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive than standard blanks however they add an additional security layer to your vehicle. They are carved from the middle using a laser which allows them to be inserted into the lock from either side, and work. They also have a unique pattern and are harder to duplicate.
The thicker shank with less grooves will allow you to discern a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This means that the key is more difficult to turn than a standard key and makes it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your car without a lot of time and effort. They are also less likely to get stuck in locks because they are more precise cut.
When you insert the laser-cut keys in your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the car's receiver. This lets the car know that it's the right key and can be started. If a thief does manage to obtain an unauthorised copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been utilized in luxury cars since the 1990s. They cost more to produce than standard key blanks and require specialized equipment, but they add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours, a professional locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and at a reasonable price.
You may need to have the transponder chip programmed into your key, based on the vehicle you drive. You can't do this yourself, and dealers charge a lot to do it. A reliable locksmith will be able programme your transponder, but they may not have the same experience than your local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of a majority of newer cars to provide an extra layer security. These chips are registered with your car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the key before starting the motor. Even if a thief is able to steal and duplicate the key, they will not be able to use it to start the car since the engine will not start when the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Most cars built in the last 20 years or that's why it has a transponder chip in it. These are radio transmitters that can stop your car from starting without the correct key installed. This was a significant breakthrough in the fight against car theft, as thieves had developed many methods to start cars with brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip was able to solve the problem since it only allowed the car to start for a short period of time, but also verify that there was a valid key in place.
A regular transponder key will appear like a regular metal key, but with a plastic top. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder that will transmit a signal to your car when the key is within close proximity. This signal contains a digital serial number that matches the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals match the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. cutting key is among the best forms of anti-theft technology that manufacturers of cars have implemented since it has made car theft almost impossible for anyone who does not have a valid key.
There are a variety of types of transponder keys which can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Some keys have an embedded transponder in the head. Some include a remote fob that contains the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs typically have buttons on them that allow you to lock or unlock your vehicle, set the alarm, and many other functions.
A locksmith can help you get you a new transponder for your vehicle, and even programme it if required. This process is usually fairly straightforward and only requires a few steps. The first step is that the new key needs to be cut using a regular metal key cutter, which can usually be done at any automotive retailer. The transponder keys blanks will then need to be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming is generally fast and takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have the remote keyless system which requires fob. The fob transmits the vehicle a signal to open the doors or start the motor. If equipped, it can also unlock 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 that must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. That's why you should never attempt to cut your fob yourself. It's always best to take your fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have keys that folds inside, similar to a switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and tucked away when not being used. There are also fobs that appear more like the regular key, but without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob, it can be a real trouble to obtain an alternative. It may require special tools or a visit to the dealer. Dealers can often only provide the key fob that is compatible with the model you have. The dealer has the technical expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's security system.
Fortunately, the process of getting a new key fob is relatively simple when you have the right information. First, you have to know the year, model and year of your car. You should also have a working spare key to bring along.
Gather the Necessary Equipment Before you begin 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 particular mode that might involve switching the ignition off and on for a certain amount of times, pressing specific buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers may even signal entry into programming mode by making a sound or light flash.
You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it programmed and cut. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs for an affordable cost than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open longer than the dealership so you don't have to rush off to cut your key fob and programmed.