Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cut ting is more than shaping a piece of metal. It's a technique that offers security and ease of mind to vehicle owners.
Bring your key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key using the appropriate key cutting technique for your car's make and model. The key cutting process takes only about a minute and is much less expensive than purchasing new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic type of car key and dates back to the early days of automotive locks. These keys have a pattern that matches the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied at most hardware stores, but an experienced locksmith with the right tools will generally be more successful in making copies that are more durable and work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also able to create laser cut keys. They are more secure than a standard mechanical key because they feature grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it more difficult to copy the key and if someone is using grinders to try to do so they'll likely end up leaving some metal pieces that won't fit in the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an extra layer of security. These keys have a small chip inside the head that communicates with your car to ensure it's a genuine key. If the chip in the car's key isn't matched, your vehicle will not start. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the latest technology in car keys. They're a mix of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. You can unlock and start your car with this key, and do it remotely. A professional auto locksmith on the move can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best option for a replacement mechanical key for a lost or damaged one. The majority of hardware stores do not have the tools or highly-trained professionals to create a key that works well inside your vehicle. It is better to hand over the making 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 key blanks but provide an additional layer of security for your car. They are carved from the middle using a laser which allows them to be put in the lock on either side and still work. They have a unique design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The longer shank that is thicker and has smaller grooves can help you distinguish a laser-cut from a traditional bladed key. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car because the key is harder to turn. They are also less likely to get stuck in the lock since they are more precise cut.
When you insert a laser-cut keys into your lock, it transmits a signal to the car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the correct key, and it can be used to start. If a criminal manages to steal an unauthorised copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it and refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require special equipment keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. If you lose one, an experienced locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and at a reasonable price.
You might need to have the transponder chip programmed in your key based on the car you own. You can't do this yourself, and car dealerships charge a lot to do it. A good locksmith should be able to program your transponder on your behalf however they might not have the same level of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips, which provide an extra layer of security. These chips are synchronized with your car's ignition system, which allows it to verify the key prior to beginning the engine. Even if a thief succeeds in stealing the key and replicate it but isn't in a position to start your car since the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in nearly all vehicles built in the past 20 years. They are basically radio transmitters that stop your car from starting without the correct key installed. This was a major innovation in the fight against auto theft since thieves had discovered a myriad of methods to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch using a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved all of this because it would only allow the car to turn on for a brief period of time while also registering that there was a genuine key in place.
A normal transponder will appear like a metal key with the top made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder, which will send a signal to your car when the key is close enough. This signal has the digital serial number that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals match your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is the most effective security system a car manufacturer can implement as it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone who does not have an authentic key.
Based on the model, there are several different kinds of transponder keys that are available. Some are equipped with a traditional transponder chip that is located inside the head of the key. Others come with remote keys that has the transponder for the key. Key fobs often include buttons that permit you to lock and unlock your car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you obtain an updated transponder key to your car, and can program it for you, should you require it. This process is usually fairly simple and involves a few steps. The first step is that the new key needs to be cut using the standard metal key cutter, which is usually be done in any automotive retailer. The transponder keys that are blank will then have to be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming is generally extremely quick and takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have a remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob is used to send a signal from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. It can also open the trunk, provided it's equipped.
Remember that the car fob differs from the conventional keys you may have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob by yourself. It is always recommended to take your fob to a professional to cut and program it.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside it, similar to a switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and compact when not being used. You can also find fobs that appear more like a regular key, without the foldable key.
If you lost your key fob, it can be a real pain to get replacement. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, dealers can only provide a fob that is compatible with your specific model. This is because the dealer has the technological experience to ensure that the replacement fob works with your car's security system.
Fortunately, the process of getting a new key fob is fairly easy if you have the right information. You'll be required to know the car's year of manufacture, year of manufacture, and model. Also, you must have a spare key that you can bring with you.
Get the tools you need: Prior to trying to program your key fob, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you have all the required tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a particular mode that might involve turning the ignition off and on at a specific number of times, triggering certain buttons or any combination of these. Certain manufacturers may also signal entry into programming mode with a sound or flashing light.
Once you've gathered the required materials, you can bring your key fob to your closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs at a much more reasonable price than the dealership. In addition, we are open longer than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.