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, convenience and peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the appropriate key cutting method for your model and make. The process of cutting keys takes just a few minutes and is cheaper than a replacement car key purchased from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car key. These keys have a pattern of grooves and ridges carved into them that align with the pins in the lock to open it. The majority of hardware stores can duplicate mechanical keys, but locksmiths with the right tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and will work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also make keys that are laser-cut. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it harder to copy the key and if someone is using grinders to try to copy it, they'll likely leave the metal pieces that will not fit into the lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were created as an additional layer of security. These keys have a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your car to let it know it is genuine. If the chip in the key is not connected to your vehicle it will not be able to start and remain in a standstill. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than mechanical keys and require a professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the most recent development in car keys. They're a mix of the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can unlock and start your car using this key and operate it by remote. A professional auto locksmith mobile can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best place to get a new mechanical key to replace the one that has been damaged or lost. Most chains do not have the proper equipment or highly skilled experts to make an excellent key that can be used in your vehicle. It is much safer to leave the creation of your key to a professional, and you will most likely save money in the long run by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more costly to make than standard keys, but they provide a higher level of security for your vehicle. They are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be placed in the lock on either side and still work. They feature a distinct pattern that is more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and less grooves will allow you to discern a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This means that the key is more difficult to turn than the standard key which makes it harder for thieves to gain entry into your car without a lot of time and effort. They are also less likely to become stuck in locks because they are more precise cut.
When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock, it sends a signal to the car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This signals the car that it is the right key, and that it is able to be started. If a criminal manages to steal an unauthorized copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not register it and will not start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are currently used in many luxury cars. They are more expensive and require special equipment to create 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 should you lose it.
It is possible that you will need the transponder chip programmed in your key based on the vehicle you drive. This isn't something that you can do by yourself, and most car dealerships will charge you an arm and a leg to complete the task for you. A good locksmith will be able program your transponder, but they might not have the same expertise than your local dealer.
Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips, which provide an additional layer of security. These chips are synchronized with your ignition system, allowing it to verify the key before starting the motor. Even if a thief is capable of stealing and copying the key, they won't be able to use it to start the car because the engine won't start in the event that the code isn't valid.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in nearly all vehicles built in the past 20 years. These are radio transmitters that make sure your car isn't started without the correct keys. This was a significant breakthrough in the fight against car theft as thieves had come up with a variety of 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 solved all of this because it could only allow the car to start for a brief period of time, but also verify that there was a genuine key in place.
A regular transponder key will appear like a normal metal key with a transparent top. The plastic top houses the actual transponder that will send a message to your car once the key is within close proximity. The signal is an electronic serial number which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals match your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is among the most effective methods of anti-theft technologies that a car manufacturer has implemented since it has made car theft nearly impossible for those who do not have a valid keys.
There are a variety of types of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Certain keys come with a transponder chip in the head. Others come with a remote key fob which includes the transponder of the key. The key fobs will often have buttons on them that can lock/unlock your car, set the alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get you a new transponder for your vehicle and can even programme it if required. This process is usually simple and requires only a few simple steps. First, the new key will need to be cut using a regular metal key cutter, which can usually be done in any automotive retailer. The transponder keys blanks will then have to be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. read of programming usually takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have a remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob transmits the vehicle a signal to open the doors or start the motor. If it is equipped, it will also open the boot.
Be aware that the car fob differs from the standard metal keys you may have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob yourself. It's always best to bring your key fob to a professional for cutting and programming.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with an open key that folds inside, much like the switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be hidden away when not in use. There are also fobs that look more like an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
It may be difficult to replace your key fob if you lose it. It may require special tools or a visit to the dealer. Often, the dealer can only provide a fob that works with your specific model. This is because the dealer has the technology know-how to ensure that a replacement fob matches up with the security system of your vehicle.
The process of getting an alternative key fob could be fairly simple if you have the correct information. You will need to know your car's year, make and model. Also, you must have a spare key with you to take along.
Make sure you have the required equipment Before you begin to program your keyfob go through the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer to ensure you have the right tools and equipment. You'll be required to enter a specific mode, which could involve 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 by sound or flashing lights.
You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it programmed and cut. We'll save you time and money as we cut your key fobs at a lower price than the dealership. In addition, we are open longer than the dealership so you don't need to rush off to cut your key fob and programmed.