Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than cutting a piece of metal. It's a skill that offers security and ease of mind for car owners.
Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting technique for your car's brand and model. The key cutting process takes only about a minute and is cheaper than buying a new car key at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the most basic kind of car key. They are made up of grooves and ridges carved into them that line up with the pin settings of the lock that allows you to unlock it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, however locksmiths who have the right tools will be able to make copies that are more durable and will work inside your car.
A professional locksmith can also be capable of creating laser cut keys. They are more secure than a standard mechanical key since they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to make a copy and, if someone attempts to use a grinder on the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces that will not fit in the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an extra layer of security. These keys contain an embedded chip in the head of the key that communicates with your car to confirm that it is authentic. If the chip in the key of your car is not properly matched, the car will not start. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require 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 open and start your car with this key and operate it remotely. A professional auto locksmith mobile can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes using the latest technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option to purchase a new mechanical key to replace damaged or lost keys. The majority of hardware stores don't have the necessary equipment or highly-trained experts to create an effective key that will work in your car. It is much safer to leave the design of your key to a professional, and you'll likely save money in the end by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys may be more expensive than standard blanks however they add an additional security layer 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 feature a distinct pattern and are more difficult to duplicate.
You can tell a laser-cut key apart from traditional bladed keys by the thicker shank that has less grooves carved. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car as the key is harder to turn. These keys are less likely to get caught in the lock, because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock it transmits a signal to the car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This lets the car know that it's the correct key, and it can be started. If a criminal gets their hands on an unauthorised key, the vehicle transmitter will not recognize it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment keys, but they do provide an extra layer security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and efficiently at a reasonable cost if you lose it.
You may need to have the transponder chip installed in your key, based on the vehicle you own. It's not something you can do yourself, and dealers charge a lot to do it. A reliable locksmith will be able program your transponder, but they may not have the same expertise as the local dealer.
Most newer cars come with keys laser-cut that have transponder chips that provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system, allowing it to check that the key is legitimate before you start the engine. Even if a thief manages to steal the key and duplicate it, they won't be able to use it to start your car because the engine won't start if it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Almost any car built in the last 20 years or that's why it has a transponder chip inside of it. These are radio transmitters that stop your car from being started without the right keys. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft as thieves had found a lot of ways to start cars 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 would only allow the car to be turned on for a brief period of time, but also verify that there was a valid key in place.
A normal transponder will appear like a key made of metal with the top made of plastic. This plastic top houses the actual transponder that will send a signal to your car whenever the key is close enough. laser key cutting near me is a serial number digital that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals match the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is the best anti-theft technology a car manufacturer can implement since it makes car theft impossible for anyone without a valid key.
Based on the model, there are different types of transponder key that are available. Some of them have the traditional transponder chip which is contained in the head of the key. Some have an electronic key fob which includes the key transponder. Key fobs typically have buttons on them that can lock/unlock your car or set the alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder for your vehicle and will program it if needed. This procedure is usually straightforward and requires only just a few steps. The first step is that the new key will need to be cut with the standard metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any automotive store. Then, the blank transponder key must be programmed for your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The process of programming is generally extremely quick and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have the remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob sends a signal to your vehicle to unlock doors or start the engine. If it is equipped, it will also unlock the boot.
Keep in mind that the car fob differs from the standard metal keys that you might have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. This is why you shouldn't attempt cutting your own fob. It is always advisable to take your key fob to a professional to cut and program it.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have keys that fold inside it, much like a switchblade. This lets the fob be smaller and tucked away when not in use. There are also fobs that appear more like a regular key, without the foldable key.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob when you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers can often only provide a key fob that is compatible with your car. The dealer has the technical expertise to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
The process of obtaining the replacement key fob you need can be quite simple if have the correct details. For starters, you need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. You should also have a spare key with you to take along.
Gather 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 specific mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition at a specific number of times or some combination of these. Some manufacturers will even signal the switch to programming mode by making a sound or light flash.
You can bring your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it programmed and cut. We can save you time and money because we cut your key fobs for cheaper than the dealership. We are also open later than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.