Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than creating a metal piece. It's an art that ensures security and ease of mind for car owners.
Bring your current 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 key-cutting procedure takes only few minutes and is much less expensive than purchasing the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car key. These keys have an arrangement that is in line with the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, however locksmiths with the right tools can make copies that are more durable and can be used in your car.
A professional locksmith can create laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to make copies, and if someone tries to use a grinder on the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal scraps which will not fit into the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an additional layer of security. These keys contain a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to let it know it is authentic. If the chip in your car's key is not compatible, your car will not start. These keys are more expensive than a mechanical key and require professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the latest development in car keys. They are a combination of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. This lets you unlock and start your car by using the key. It also allows you to do this from the distance. A mobile professional auto locksmith can make replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best option for a new mechanical key to replace 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 in your car. It is safer to leave the creation of your key to a professional and you'll save money in the long run by opting for this method.
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 put into the lock on either side, and work. They have a unique pattern that is more difficult to duplicate.
The longer shank that is thicker and has fewer grooves will help you identify a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This means the key is harder to turn than an ordinary key and makes it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your car without much time and effort. These keys are less likely to get trapped in locks, because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut keys into your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the car's receiver. This lets the car know that it's the right key, and that it is able to be started. If a burglar gets their hands on an unauthorised key, the vehicle transmitter will not be able to recognize it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced in the 1990s and are used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment them, but they offer an additional layer of security for your vehicle. If car key cut cost lose yours a professional locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and easily for reasonable cost.
Depending on the model of your car depending on the model, you might need to include a transponder chip into the key to allow it to work. This isn't something you can do by yourself and the majority of car dealerships will charge you an arm and a leg to perform the program for you. A reliable locksmith will be able to program your transponder on your behalf, although they may not have the same level of expertise as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are included in the keys of a majority of newer cars to provide an extra layer security. These chips are registered with the ignition system, allowing it to verify the key before making the motor start. Even if the thief is capable of stealing and copying the key, they will not be able to start the car since the engine won't start in the event that the code isn't valid.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in almost all cars built in the past 20 years. They are basically radio transmitters that can keep your car from starting without the correct key in place. This was a major innovation in the fight against auto theft as thieves had discovered a myriad of ways to start vehicles with brute force (pushing the ignition switch with the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved all of that as it would only allow the car to be turned on for a brief period of time while also registering that there was a valid key in the ignition.
A normal transponder keys will look like a regular metal key with a transparent top. This plastic top contains the actual transponder, which will send a message to your car once the key is in close proximity. The signal is the digital serial number that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is the most effective anti-theft technology an automaker can put in place since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without an authentic key.
Based on the model, there are different types of transponder key that are available. Some of them have an old-fashioned transponder chip that is housed inside the head of the key. Some also have an accessory fob that houses the transponder of the key. Key fobs typically include buttons that permit you to lock/unlock the car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you obtain an updated transponder key to your car and can even program it for you, if necessary. This procedure is usually straightforward and involves only the following steps. First, the new key will need to be cut with an ordinary metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any automotive store. Then, the transponder keys will need to be programmed for your specific vehicle by an experienced auto locksmith. The process of programming is generally very quick and only takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars come with the remote keyless system which requires fob. The fob's key sends a signal to your vehicle to unlock doors or start the engine. If equipped, it can also unlock the boot.
It's important to remember that a car key fob is not like the traditional metal key that you may have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that needs to be programmed correctly to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Don't try to cut your key fob yourself. It's always best to bring your key fob to an expert to cut and program it.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some feature a key that folds inside it, similar to a switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and compact when not being used. There are also fobs that appear more like the regular key, but without the foldable key.
If you lost your key fob, it could be a major trouble to obtain a replacement. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Usually, the dealer will only offer a fob compatible with the specific model of your car. The dealer has the expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's security system.
Fortunately, the process of getting an entirely new key fob is fairly simple if you have the right details. You'll have to know your car's year of manufacture, year of manufacture, and model. Bring along a spare key that works.
Gather the necessary tools: Before attempting to program your key fob, read the manual of the manufacturer to ensure you have all the required tools and equipment. You'll be required to enter a particular mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off a certain number times or the combination of. Some manufacturers may even signal entry into programming mode by sound or flashing lights.
You can bring your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money because we cut your key fobs at a lower price than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open longer than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.