Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's a technique that offers security and ease of mind for car owners.
Bring getting a car key cut 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 only a few 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 most basic kind of car key. They have patterns that match the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. Hardware stores are able to copy mechanical keys, however locksmiths who have the right tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and can be used inside your car.
A professional locksmith can also make laser-cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to make copies or if someone tries to use a grinder on the key, they'll likely leave behind a large amount of metal scraps that won't fit into the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an additional layer of security. They have a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your car to confirm that it is genuine. If the chip in your key isn't matched to your car, it will not start and remain in a standstill. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the most recent evolution in car keys. These are a combination of the traditional mechanical key and remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your car using the key, and allows you to do so from a distance. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Hardware stores are not the best place to get a replacement mechanical key for damaged or lost keys. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled professionals to be able to create a quality key that works in your vehicle. It is safer to leave the creation of your key to a professional, and you'll likely save money in the end by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys can be more expensive than standard blanks, however, they provide an extra security layer to your car. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle permitting them to be put into the lock on either side and still function. They have a distinctive pattern and are more difficult to duplicate.
You can discern a laser-cut key from traditional bladed keys due to the wider shank with less grooves carved. This means that the key is harder to turn than an ordinary key which makes it harder for thieves to gain entry into your car without much time and effort. The keys are less likely to be caught in the lock, as they have a more precise cutting.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock it transmits a signal to the car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the right key and can be used to start. If a thief manages to get their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are used in many luxury cars. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to make them, but they offer an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours, an experienced locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and easily for a reasonable price.
Depending on the car you drive it may be necessary to include a transponder chip into the key to get it to work. This isn't something you can do on your own and the majority of car dealers will charge an arm and a leg to do it for you. A good locksmith is likely to be able 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 most newer vehicles to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system and permit it to check that the key is authentic before allowing the engine to start. Even if a thief is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they won't be able to start the car as the engine will not start in the event that the code isn't valid.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in nearly all vehicles built within the last 20 years. These are radio transmitters which make sure your car isn't started without the right keys. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against car theft as thieves had come up with a variety of ways to start cars using brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the solution to all of this, since it allowed the car to turn on for a short amount of time and also registered that there was a key present.
A standard transponder key will appear like a normal metal key with a plastic top. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder, which will send a signal to your car when the key is in close proximity. The signal is comprised of the digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals match the transponder, you'll be capable of operating your car. This is the most effective anti-theft system that an automaker can put in place because it makes car theft impossible for anyone without an authentic key.
There are several types of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some keys have a transponder chip in the head. Some have an accessory fob that houses the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs usually have buttons on them that can lock/unlock your car and set the alarm and many other functions.
A locksmith can help get you a new transponder for your vehicle and can even programme it if required. This process is usually simple and only involves the following steps. The new key needs to be cut using a key cutter. This can be accomplished at any auto shop. The transponder keys blanks will then need to be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming is generally fast and takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have a remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob transmits a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. If equipped, it can also open the boot.
It's important to remember that a car key fob is not like the traditional key you might have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob by yourself. It is always recommended to take your fob to a professional for cutting and programming.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside it, similar to a switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and tucked away when not being used. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature that look like a regular-sized key.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob when you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Usually, the dealer will only provide a fob that works with the specific model of your car. The dealer has the expertise to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
The process of getting a replacement key fob can be fairly simple if you have the correct information. First, you have to know the year, model and year of your car. Bring an extra key that works.
Gather the Necessary Equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob, review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure you have the correct tools and equipment. You will need to enter a specific mode that could involve turning the ignition off and on for a certain amount of times, triggering certain buttons or any combination of these. Certain manufacturers may also signal the switch to programming mode by sound or light flash.
Once you've gathered the required materials, you'll be able to bring your key fob to your nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs at an affordable cost 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.