Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just creating a metal piece. It's a technique that provides security and ease of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting procedure for your car's brand and model. The process of cutting keys takes just few minutes and is less expensive than buying a new car key at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest type of car key and date back to the early days of locking mechanisms for automobiles. These keys have an arrangement that is in line with the pins of the lock to open it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, however locksmiths with the right tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and can be used inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can create laser-cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys because they feature grooves on both sides. automotive key cutting makes it more difficult to copy the key and if someone uses grinders to try to do so they'll likely end up leaving behind metal scraps which will not fit in your lock.
In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed as an additional layer of security. These keys have a small chip inside the head that transmits information to your car to ensure it's authentic keys. If the chip on the car's key isn't compatible, your vehicle will not start. Keys that are programmed to be more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the latest development in car keys. They're a combination of traditional mechanical keys and a remote control. You can unlock and start your car using this key, and do it remotely. A mobile professional auto locksmith can make smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in just a few minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option for a replacement mechanical key for damaged or lost keys. The majority of hardware stores do not have the equipment or highly-trained professionals to make keys that work in your vehicle. You will save money and be more secure if you let the making of the key to professionals.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys can be more expensive than standard blanks however, they provide an extra security feature to your car. Lasers are used to cut them from the middle, allowing them to be inserted into the lock on either side and still function. They also have a unique pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to distinguish a key made of lasers from traditional bladed keys due to the wider shank with fewer carved grooves. This makes the key harder to turn than the 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 the lock since they have a more precise cut.
When you insert the laser-cut keys inside your lock, a unique signal is sent to the car's receiver. This signals the car that it is the right key, and it can be started. If a criminal gets their hands on an unauthorised key, the car's transmitter will not register it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s, and are currently used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. If you lose yours, an experienced locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and at a reasonable price.
Depending on your car, you may need to include a transponder chip into the key to get it working. This isn't something you can do on your own and the majority of car dealerships will charge an arm and a leg to perform the program for you. A reputable locksmith should be able to program your transponder for you even though they may not have the same degree of expertise as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are included in the keys of a majority of newer cars to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with your ignition system, allowing it to verify the keys before making the motor start. Even if a burglar succeeds in stealing the key and duplicate it, they won't be in a position to start your car because the engine won't start if it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Most cars built in the last 20 years or therefore will have a transponder chip in it. These are radio transmitters that prevent your car from being started without the right keys. This was a major innovation in the fight against auto theft because thieves had found a lot of ways to start vehicles through brute force (pushing the ignition switch using a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved the problem since it could only allow the car to start for a brief period of time while also registering that there was a valid key in the ignition.
A normal transponder key will look much like a standard metal key with a transparent top. This plastic top houses the transponder which sends an alert to your car whenever the key is near enough. This signal contains a serial number digital that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is the best anti-theft technology a car manufacturer can implement because it makes car theft impossible for anyone without an authentic key.
Based on the model, there are different types of transponder key that are available. Some are equipped with the traditional transponder chip which is located inside the head of the key. Some also have a remote fob that contains the key transponder. Key fobs typically come with buttons that allow you to lock/unlock the car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help get you a new transponder for your vehicle and will program it if needed. This process is usually fairly straightforward and only requires just a few steps. The new key has to be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be done at any automotive store. Then, the transponder key must be programmed for your particular vehicle by an experienced auto locksmith. The process of programming is typically fast and takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have an electronic keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob is used to send the vehicle a signal to unlock the doors, or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if it is equipped.
Keep in mind that the car fob is different from the traditional metal keys that you might have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your fob yourself. It is best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs to professionals.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some feature keys that fold inside it, similar to the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be tucked away when not in use. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, which appear like regular-sized keys.
It can be difficult to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers can often only provide the key fob that is compatible with the model you have. The dealer has the technical knowledge to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
Fortunately, the process of getting an entirely new key fob is relatively simple when you have the right details. First, you have to know the year, model and year of your car. Take along a spare key that is functional.
Gather the Necessary Equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob check the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the correct tools and equipment. You'll be required to enter a particular mode, which may require pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition in a certain amount of times, or some combination of these. Certain manufacturers may also signal entry into programming mode with a sound or light flash.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it programmed and cut. We'll save your time and money since we cut your key fobs for less than the dealership. We are open earlier than the dealer, so you won't need to rush in order to have your key fob programmed and cut.