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 skill that provides security and ease of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the correct key cutting method for your model and make. The process of cutting keys is only a few minutes and is cheaper than buying a new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car keys. These keys have a pattern of grooves and ridges cut into them that align with the pin settings in a specific lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied from many hardware stores, however a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will typically have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can make keys that are laser-cut. They are more secure than mechanical keys because they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it harder to copy the key and if someone uses a grinder to try to duplicate the key they'll likely end up leaving behind metal scraps which will not fit in your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an extra layer of security. car key cutting and programming have a small chip in the head that communicates to your car to ensure it's genuine keys. If the chip on your car's key is not matched, your car will not start. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require a professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the newest development in car keys. They are a combination of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. You can unlock and start your vehicle with this key and operate it via remote. A professional auto locksmith mobile can make replacement smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Many people think they can find a replacement for their damaged or lost mechanical key from hardware stores but this is not an appropriate method. Most chains don't have the proper equipment or highly trained professionals to make an authentic key that will work well in your vehicle. It is safer to hand over the making of your key to a professional, and you'll save money in the long run by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys may be more expensive than regular blanks, however they add an additional security layer to your car. They are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be put into the lock on either side and still work. They also have a distinct pattern and are harder to duplicate.
You can tell a laser-cut key apart from bladed keys with traditional design by the larger shank, which has smaller grooves that have been carved. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car because the key is harder to turn. They are also less likely to get stuck in the lock because they are more precise cut.
When you insert the laser-cut key into your lock, a unique signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This lets the car know it's the correct key and allows it to start. If a thief gets their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle transmitter will not recognize it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys have been utilized 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. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and efficiently at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
It is possible that you will need the transponder chip programmed into your key based on the car you own. You can't do this by yourself, and dealerships charge a lot to do it. A reputable locksmith should be able to program your transponder on your behalf, although they may not have the same amount of experience as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of a majority of modern cars to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system, allowing it to check that the key is authentic before you start the engine. Even if the thief is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they will not 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 past 20 years or that's why it has a transponder chip inside of it. They are basically radio transmitters that will keep your car from starting if you don't have the correct key in place. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft since thieves had discovered a variety of ways to start vehicles with brute force (pushing the ignition switch with a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved all of that as it could only allow the car to be turned on for a brief period of time, while also registering that there was a valid key in place.
A regular transponder key will appear like a regular metal key, but with a plastic top. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder that will send a signal to your car when the key is close to. The signal is comprised of a digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder that is inside your car. If the signals are compatible the transponder, you'll be able to operate your car. This is the most effective security system a car manufacturer can implement since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone who does not have an official key.
There are several types of transponder keys which can be used in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some keys have a transponder chip inside the head. Others come with a remote key fob that has the transponder for the key. Key fobs often have buttons that allow you to lock/unlock the car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you obtain a new transponder key for your vehicle and even program it for you, if needed. This procedure is usually straightforward and involves only just a few steps. First, the new key has to be cut with a regular metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any automotive store. The transponder keys that are blank must then be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming typically takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have a remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob transmits an alert from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if equipped.
Remember that a car fob is different from the conventional keys that you might have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob yourself. It is always recommended to take your key fob to an expert to cut and program it.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside it, similar to the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be hidden away when not being used. You can also find fobs that resemble an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
It may be difficult to replace your key fob when you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to a dealer. Often, the dealer can only offer a fob compatible with your specific model. The dealer has the technical expertise to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
Fortunately, the process of getting a new key fob is fairly simple if you have the right details. You will be required to know the car's year, make and model. Bring with you a spare key that is functional.
Get the tools you need: Prior to attempting to program your key fob, consult the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You will need to enter a special mode that could involve switching the ignition off and on a certain number of times, pressing specific buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers may even signal the entry into programming mode with a sound or light flash.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs for an affordable cost than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer, so you won't need to rush in order to get your keyfob programmed and cut.