Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's a skill that provides security and ease of mind to car owners.
Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting procedure for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys takes only a few minutes and is cheaper than buying a new car key purchased from 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 cut into them that align with the pins in the lock to unlock it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, however locksmiths with the right tools will be able to make copies that are more durable and can be used inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also be capable of making laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to make a copy, and if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they'll likely leave behind a large amount of metal pieces that won't fit into the lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were created as an additional layer of security. They have a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to inform it that it is legitimate. If the chip inside the key is not connected to your vehicle it will not be able to start and will remain unresponsive. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than a mechanical key and require expert cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the most recent evolution in car keys. They are a combination of the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can open and start your car using this key and operate it via remote. A mobile auto locksmith can make smart keys for your car in a matter of minutes using the most recent technology.
Many people think they can find an alternative for a damaged or lost mechanical key at a hardware store however this isn't an appropriate method. keys cut of hardware stores don't have the equipment or highly-trained professionals to make keys that work in your car. It is safer to leave the design of your key to a professional and you'll 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. Lasers are used to carve them from the middle, which allows them to be inserted into the lock at either side and still function. They have a distinctive design and are more difficult to duplicate.
You can tell a laser-cut key apart from traditional bladed keys by the wider shank with less grooves carved. This means the key is more difficult to turn than an ordinary key and makes it more difficult for thieves to open your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. Keys with this design are less likely to be caught in the lock, as they have a more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut keys in your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the car's receiver. This lets the car know that it's the right key, and that it is able to be started. If a criminal manages to get their hands on an unauthorised copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are now used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive to produce than standard keys and require special equipment, but they do add an extra 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 programmed into your key, based on the vehicle you own. It's not something you can do yourself, and car dealerships charge a lot for it. A good locksmith will be able program your transponder, but they might not have the same expertise than your local dealer.
The majority of newer vehicles come with keys laser-cut that have transponder chips to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system, allowing it to verify that the key is genuine before starting the engine. Even if a burglar manages to steal the key and copy it however, they will not be able to use it to start your car as the engine won't start in the event that it doesn't have a proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in the majority of cars manufactured within the last 20 years. These are essentially radio transmitters that can keep your car from starting if you don't have the proper key in place. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against car theft as thieves had developed many methods to start cars with brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch with flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved the problem since it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short time, but also verify that there was a valid key in place.
A normal transponder will appear like a key made of steel with the top made of plastic. This plastic top houses the transponder which sends a signal to your car whenever the key is close enough. The signal is the digital 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 best forms of anti-theft technology that manufacturers of cars have implemented as it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for anyone who doesn't possess a valid key.
There are a variety of kinds of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some keys include an embedded transponder in the head. Others have an electronic key fob that includes the transponder for the key. Key fobs typically include buttons that can lock/unlock your vehicle or set the alarm and other functions.
A locksmith can help you get an updated transponder key to your vehicle and even program it for you, if needed. This process is usually fairly straightforward and only requires a few steps. First, the new key will need to be cut with the standard metal key cutter, which can usually be done at any automotive retailer. Then, the transponder keys will need to be programmed for your specific vehicle by an experienced auto locksmith. The process of programming is generally fast and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have an electronic keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob is used to send the vehicle a signal to open the doors or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if equipped.
It's important to remember that the car key fob is not like the traditional metal key you might have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob on your own. It is always advisable to take your key fob to an expert to cut and program it.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some come with an open key that can be folded inside, much like a switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be hidden away when it's not in use. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, that look like normal-sized keys.
It may be difficult to replace your key fob if you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealership. Usually, the dealer will only provide a fob that is compatible with your specific model. The dealer has the technical knowledge to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
Fortunately, the process of getting a new key fob is relatively simple when you have the right information. For starters, you need to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Also, you must have a working spare key to bring along.
Gather the necessary tools: Before attempting to program your key fob, read the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure that you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a particular mode, which may require pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition a certain number times or a combination. Some manufacturers might even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the start of programming mode.
You can bring your key fob 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 cut your key fob and programmed.