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 offers 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 make and model. The process of cutting keys takes only a few minutes and is much less costly than buying a new car key purchased from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic form of car key and dates back to the beginning of locking mechanisms for automobiles. They have a pattern of ridges and grooves cut into them that align with the pins in a specific lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied from the majority of hardware stores, but a professional locksmith with the right tools will typically be more successful in making copies that are more durable and can work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also able to create laser cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to duplicate and, if someone attempts to grind the key, they'll likely leave behind a large amount of metal pieces which will not fit into your lock.
In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed as an additional layer of security. These keys have a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your car to inform it that it is legitimate. If the chip in the key is not connected to your car it will not be able to start and remain in a standstill. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than a mechanical key and require a professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the latest development in car keys. They are a combination of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your car with the key, and lets you do it from the distance. A professional auto locksmith on the move can make smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in just a few minutes using the latest technology.
Many people may think that they can get an alternative for their damaged or lost mechanical key from a hardware store, but this is not an appropriate method. The majority of hardware stores don't have the tools or highly-trained professionals to create an effective key that will work inside your vehicle. It is better to leave the design of your key to a professional, and you will most likely save money in the end by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys may be more expensive than standard blanks but they offer an extra security layer to your vehicle. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle allowing them to be inserted into the lock on either end, and work. They have a unique pattern and are more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and smaller grooves can help you discern a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This means the key is more difficult to turn than an ordinary key and makes it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your car without much time and effort. Keys with this design are also less likely to get stuck in the lock since they have a more precise cut.
When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock it sends a signal to your car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This lets the car know it's the correct key and it can be used to start. If a burglar gets their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle's transmitter will not register it. key cutting cost will be unable to start.
Laser-cut keys have been utilized in luxury cars since the 1990s. They cost more to make than regular key blanks and require specialized equipment, but they do add an additional layer of security to 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 installed in your key based on the vehicle you drive. This isn't something that you can do by yourself and the majority of car dealers 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 even though they may not have the same degree of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
The majority of modern cars have laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system and allow it to verify that the key is legitimate before you start the engine. Even if someone succeeds in stealing the key and copy it however, they will not be in a position to start your car since the engine won't start when it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in almost all cars built in the last 20 years. These are essentially radio transmitters that will stop your car from starting if you don't have the correct key in place. This was a significant breakthrough in the fight against car theft, as thieves had come up with a variety of ways to start cars using brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using screwdrivers with flat blades) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip was able to solve the problem since it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short period of time while also registering that there was a genuine key in place.
A regular transponder keys will look like a regular metal key with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the actual transponder, which will send a message to your car once the key is within close proximity. The signal is the digital serial number that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals match, your car will allow you to operate it. This is one of the best forms of anti-theft technology that the car manufacturer has put in place because it has made car theft almost impossible for anyone who doesn't have a valid keys.
Based on the model, there are different types of transponder key that are available. Some have a traditional transponder chip that is located in the head of the key. Others come with an electronic key fob that includes the transponder for the key. 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 you acquire an updated transponder key to your car and can even program it for you, if necessary. The process is typically simple and only involves the following steps. The first step is that the new key has to be cut with a regular metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any automotive store. Then, the blank transponder key will need to be programmed for your particular vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The process of programming typically takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars come with the remote keyless system which requires fob. The fob's key sends signals to your vehicle to unlock doors or start the engine. If equipped, it can also unlock the boot.
Be aware that a car fob is different from the standard metal keys you've got on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be properly programmed to work with your specific vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob yourself. It is best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to experts.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have a key that folds inside, like a switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be put away when it's not being used. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, which appear like regular-sized keys.
If you lost your key fob, it can be a huge pain to get a replacement. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Usually, the dealer will only provide a fob that works with the specific model of your car. This is because the dealer has the technology expertise to make sure the replacement fob works with the security system of your vehicle.
Fortunately, the process of getting a new key fob is relatively simple when you have the right information. First, you have to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. Also, you must have a working 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 have to enter a specific mode that might involve switching the ignition off and on a certain number of times, triggering certain buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers may even signal the switch to programming mode with a sound or light flash.
You can bring your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it programmed and cut. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs for the lower cost than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open longer than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.