Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting car keys involves more than simply cutting a piece of metal. It's an art that ensures security and ease of mind for car owners.
Bring your key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting procedure for your car's make and model. The key-cutting process takes just a few minutes and is cheaper than purchasing a new 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 that matches the pins of the lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at the majority of hardware stores, but an experienced locksmith with the right tools will usually have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and can work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith will also be capable of making laser-cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys because they have grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to make copies, and if someone tries to use a grinder on the key, they'll likely leave behind a lot of metal scraps which will not fit into your lock.
In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed as an additional layer of security. They have a tiny chip in their head that communicates to your car to ensure it's genuine keys. If the chip in the car's key isn't properly matched, the car won't start. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the latest advancement in car keys. These are a combination of the traditional mechanical key and remote control. You can open and start your vehicle with this key and do so via remote. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Many people believe that they can get a replacement for their lost or damaged mechanical key at the hardware store however this isn't a safe practice. The majority of chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled professionals to be able to create a quality key that will work well in your vehicle. It is safer to leave the creation of your key to a professional and you'll likely save money in the long run by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys may be more expensive than standard blanks, but they offer an extra security feature to your car. They are carved from the middle using a laser which allows them to be placed in the lock on either side, and work. They also have a different pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to discern a laser-cut key from traditional bladed keys due to the larger shank, which has less grooves carved. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car as the key is more difficult to turn. Keys with this design 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 your car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This lets the car know that it is the right key, and it can be used to start. If a criminal manages to get their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it. It will be unable to start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s and are used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require special equipment, but they provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace it 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 drive. You cannot do this yourself, and dealers charge a lot to do it. A reputable locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder on your behalf, although they may not have the same level of expertise as your local dealer.
The majority of newer vehicles come with keys laser-cut that have transponder chips that provide an extra layer of security. These chips are synchronized with your ignition system, allowing it to verify the key prior to beginning the engine. Even if someone manages to steal the key and duplicate it but isn't in a position to start your car because the engine will refuse to start if it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Nearly every car manufactured in the last 20 years or so will have a transponder chip inside of it. They are basically radio transmitters that keep your car from starting if you don't have the proper key in place. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft as thieves had discovered a variety of ways to start cars with brute force (pushing the ignition switch with the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the answer to all of this as it only allowed the car to turn on for a brief period of time, and also confirmed that there was a key present.
A regular transponder key will appear like a regular metal key with a transparent top. The plastic top houses the transponder which sends a signal to your car when the key is near enough. This signal contains the digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible, your car will allow you to operate it. This is one of the most effective methods of anti-theft technology a car manufacturer has implemented because it has made car theft almost impossible for those who do not have a valid keys.
There are automotive key cutting near me of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, based on the model. Some keys include an embedded transponder in the head. Some have a remote fob which houses the transponder of the key. Key fobs typically have buttons on them which allow you to lock and unlock your car or set the alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you get an additional transponder key for your vehicle and even program it for you, should you require it. This process is usually simple and requires only just a few steps. The new key must be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be done at any auto shop. The transponder keys blanks will then have to be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The procedure of programming usually takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars come with a remote keyless system that requires a fob. The fob is used to send a signal from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if it is equipped.
Remember that a car fob is different from the traditional metal keys that 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 by yourself. It's best to leave the cutting and programming of your key fobs to experts.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside, like a switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and tucked away when not in use. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature that look like normal-sized keys.
If you lost your key fob, it can be a real pain to get a replacement. It may require specialized tools or a trip to the dealership. Usually, the dealer will only offer a fob compatible with your specific model. This is because the dealer has the technology know-how to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
Fortunately, the process of getting the new key fob you want is fairly simple if you have the right information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. You should also have a working spare key to bring along.
Get the tools you need: Prior to beginning to program your key fob, consult the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you have all the required tools and equipment. You will need to enter a special mode that may require switching the ignition off and on a certain number of times, triggering certain buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers may even employ an illuminated light or sound to signal the start of programming mode.
You can take your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be programmed and cut. We'll save you time and money because we cut your key fobs at a lower price than the dealership. In addition, we are open later than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to cut your key fob and programmed.