Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting involves more than simply bending a piece metal. It's an art that ensures security and ease of mind for car owners.
Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting technique for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting key s takes just a few minutes and is much less expensive than purchasing the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic kind of car keys and go back to the beginning of automotive locks. These keys have patterns that match the pins of the lock to open it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at the majority of hardware stores, but a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will typically have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and will work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith will also be capable of making laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it harder to copy the key and if someone is using a grinder to attempt to do so they'll likely end up leaving behind metal scraps which will not fit in your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an extra layer of security. These keys contain a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your car to let it know it is genuine. If the chip inside your car's key is not matched, your car will not start. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the most recent advancement in car keys. They are a combination of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. You can open and start your car using this key, and do it remotely. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your car in minutes using the latest technology.
Many people may think that they can get a replacement for their lost or damaged mechanical key from the hardware store however this isn't an appropriate method. The majority of hardware stores do not have the necessary equipment or highly-trained professionals to create a key that works well in your car. You'll save money as well as be more secure if you delegate the design of your key to professionals.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys can be more expensive than regular blanks, however they add an additional layer of security to your car. They are carved from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be placed into the lock from either side and still work. They also have a distinct pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
You can discern a laser-cut key from bladed keys with traditional design by the wider shank with less grooves carved. This means the key is more difficult to turn than an ordinary key and makes it more difficult for thieves to open your car without much time and effort. These keys are also less likely to get stuck in the lock because they have a more precise cut.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock it sends a signal to your car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the correct key and can be used to start. If a burglar does manage to obtain an unauthorised copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive to produce than standard key blanks and require specialized equipment, but they do add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose one, a professional locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and easily for reasonable cost.
Depending on the car you drive depending on the model, you might need to have a transponder chip programmed into the ignition to get it to work. You cannot do this by yourself, and dealerships charge a lot to do it. A reliable locksmith should be able to program your transponder on your behalf however they might not have the same amount of experience as your 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 and allow it to verify that the key is genuine before starting the engine. Even if the thief is able to steal and duplicate the key, they won't be able to use it to start the car since the engine will not start in the event that the code isn't valid.
Transponder Keys
Nearly every car manufactured in the last 20 years or therefore will have an embedded transponder chip within it. These are radio transmitters that stop your car from being started without the right keys. This was a major innovation in the fight against auto theft as thieves had found a lot of ways to start cars with brute force (pushing the ignition switch using a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the solution to all of this, as it only allowed the car to turn on for a short period of time. It also verified that there was a key present.
A regular transponder key will look much like a standard metal key with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the transponder that will send an alert to your car when the key is close enough. The signal is an electronic serial number that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals match your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is the most effective anti-theft system that an automaker can put in place because it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without a valid key.
Based on the model, there are several different types of transponder key that are available. Some are equipped with a traditional transponder chip that is contained in the head of the key. Some also have a remote fob which houses the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs typically include buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your vehicle and set the alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get you a new transponder to your vehicle and can even program it if you need to. This process is usually fairly straightforward and only requires just a few steps. First, the new key needs to be cut using a regular metal key cutter, which can usually be done at any automotive retailer. Then, the blank transponder key will need to be programmed for your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The programming process is usually very quick and only takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have a remote keyless system that requires a fob. The key fob sends a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if equipped.
Be aware that the car fob is different from the conventional keys you've got on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. You should never try to cut your key fob by yourself. It's best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to professionals.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some have keys that folds inside, like an ad-hoc switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and compact when not in use. You can also find fobs that resemble an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob, it can be a real trouble to obtain an alternative. It could require specialized tools or a visit to the dealer. Dealers typically only offer an item that is compatible with your model. This is because the dealer has the technology know-how to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with the security system of your vehicle.
Fortunately, the process of getting a new key fob is fairly easy if you have the right information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. You should also have a working spare key with you to take along.
Gather Necessary Tools: Before beginning to program your key fob, read the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a specific mode, which may require pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off in a certain amount of times, or a combination. Some manufacturers will even signal the entry into programming mode by sound or flashing light.
Once you've gathered the required materials, you'll be able to bring your key fob into your nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money as we cut your key fobs for less than the dealership. We are also open later than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.