Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting requires more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's a technique that offers security and ease of mind to car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting procedure for your model and make. The process of cutting keys takes only a few minutes and is cheaper than buying a new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic type of car key and date back to the early days of automobile locks. They have patterns that match the pins of the lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at the majority of hardware stores, but an experienced locksmith with the right tools will typically have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also able to make keys that are laser-cut. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys because they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to duplicate the key and if someone is using a grinder to attempt to duplicate the key they'll likely end up leaving the metal pieces that will not fit into the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an extra layer of security. They have a tiny chip in their head that transmits information to your car, so it can verify that it's genuine keys. If the chip in your key isn't matched to your vehicle it will not begin and will remain unresponsive. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than a mechanical one and require a professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the newest evolution in car keys. They're a mix of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your vehicle with the key, and allows you to do this from a distance. A professional auto locksmith on the move can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the latest technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best place to get a new mechanical key to replace the one that has been damaged or lost. The majority of hardware stores don't have the tools or highly-trained professionals to make keys that work in your vehicle. You will save money and be safer if you leave the making of the key to professionals.
automotive key cutting cut keys cost more to produce than standard keys, but provide an additional layer of security for your car. Lasers are used to cut them from the middle, allowing them to be inserted into the lock on either end and still work. They have a unique pattern and are more difficult to duplicate.
The thicker shank with smaller grooves can help you identify a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car because the key is harder to turn. These keys are also less likely to get stuck in the lock because they have a more precise cut.
When you insert the laser-cut key inside your lock, a unique signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This signals the car that it is the right key, and that it is able to be used to start. If a thief manages to get their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle's transmitter will not register it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to create, but they provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and efficiently at a reasonable cost if you lose it.
Depending on your car it may be necessary to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to allow it working. This isn't something that you can do on your own, and most car dealerships will charge an amount of money to perform the program for you. A reliable locksmith should be able to program your transponder on your behalf however they might not have the same degree of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
The majority of newer vehicles come with laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips that provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered with your car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the keys before starting the motor. Even if the person who stole it is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they won't be able to start the car as the engine will not start when the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Most cars built in the last 20 years or therefore will have a transponder chip inside of it. These are essentially radio transmitters that keep your car from starting if you don't have the proper key in place. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft as thieves had developed many ways to start cars by 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 as it only allowed the car to turn on for a short amount of time, and also confirmed that there was a key in place.
A normal transponder key will appear like a regular metal key, but with a plastic top. This plastic top houses the actual transponder which sends a signal to your car when the key is close enough. This signal contains a serial number digital which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals are compatible the transponder, you'll be capable of operating your car. This is among the most effective forms of anti-theft technologies that a car manufacturer has implemented because it has made car theft almost impossible for anyone who doesn't possess a valid key.
There are several types of transponder keys which can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Some keys have a transponder chip in the head. Some have an electronic key fob which includes the transponder of the key. Key fobs often come with buttons that allow you to lock/unlock the car or set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you get an updated transponder key to your car, and can program it for you, if necessary. This process is usually fairly straightforward and only requires several steps. First, the new key has to be cut with a regular metal key cutter, which can be done at any automotive retailer. The transponder keys that are blank will then have to be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming is typically extremely quick 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 an alert from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. If it's equipped, it can also unlock the boot.
Be aware that the car fob differs from the standard metal keys you may have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your fob yourself. It's best to leave the cutting and programming of your key fobs to experts.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have a key that can be folded inside, like the switchblade. This lets the fob be smaller and to be stored away when not in use. There are fobs without the foldable feature that look like a regular-sized key.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob if you lose it. It may require specialized tools or a trip to a dealer. Dealers can often only provide an item that is compatible with your model. The dealer has the technical expertise to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining the new key fob you want is relatively simple when you have the correct information. You will be required to know the car's year, make and model. Also, you should have a working spare key that you can bring with you.
Get the necessary equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob, go through the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer to ensure you have the right tools and equipment. You will need to enter a special mode that might involve turning the ignition off and on at a specific number of times, pressing certain buttons or a combination of both. Some manufacturers might even employ an illuminated light or sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be programmed and cut. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs at a much more reasonable price than the dealership. We are also open longer than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.