Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than creating a metal piece. It's a technique that offers security and ease of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting technique for your vehicle's make and model. The key-cutting procedure takes only few minutes and is less expensive than buying a new car key at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest type of car key and date back to the early days of locking mechanisms for automobiles. These keys have a pattern that matches the pins of the lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied at most hardware stores, but a professional locksmith with the right tools will generally be more successful in making copies that are more durable and work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can create laser-cut keys. automotive key cutting are more secure than mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it harder to copy the key and, if someone uses a grinder to attempt to do so they'll likely end up leaving some 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 inside the head of the key that communicates with your car to confirm that it is genuine. If the chip inside your key is not matched to your car it will not begin and will remain immobilised. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the latest advancement in car keys. They're a mix of the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can unlock and start your vehicle with this key and operate it via remote. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option to purchase an alternative mechanical key for damaged or lost keys. The majority of chains don't have the proper equipment or highly skilled professionals to be able to create an authentic key that will work well in your vehicle. You will save money and be more secure if you let the creation of the key to professionals.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more costly to make than standard keys, but offer an additional layer of security for your car. They are carved from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be inserted into the lock from either side, and work. They have a unique design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The thicker shank with smaller grooves can help you identify a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car as the key is harder to turn. Keys with this design are less likely to be stuck in the lock because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert a laser-cut keys into your lock it sends a signal to your car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the correct key and can be used to start. If a burglar manages to get their hands on an unauthorised key, the vehicle transmitter will not register it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to make keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose one, an experienced locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and at an affordable price.
Depending on the car you drive depending on the model, you might need to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to allow it to work. You cannot do this by yourself, and dealerships charge a lot to do it. A reputable locksmith can program your transponder, but they may not have as much expertise than your local dealer.
Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system and permit it to confirm that the key is authentic before starting the engine. Even if a thief is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they won't be able use it to start the car since 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 right keys. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft as thieves had discovered a myriad of ways to start cars through brute force (pushing the ignition switch using a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was a solution to all of this because it only allowed the car to turn on for a short period of time and also registered that there was a key present.
A normal transponder will appear like a key made of metal with a top made of plastic. The plastic top houses the transponder which sends the signal to your car whenever the key is close enough. This signal contains the digital serial number which is matched to the transponder inside 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 the car manufacturer has put in place since it has made car theft almost impossible for those who do not have a valid key.
Based on the model, there are several different types of transponder key that are available. Certain keys come with an embedded transponder in the head. Some also have a remote fob which houses the key transponder. Key fobs typically come with buttons that allow you to lock/unlock the car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you obtain an updated transponder key to your car and can even program it for you, should you require it. The process is typically simple and requires only just a few steps. The new key has to be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be done at any car dealership. Then, the transponder keys will need to be programmed for your specific vehicle by an experienced auto locksmith. The process of programming is generally extremely quick and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars come with an electronic remote keyless system that requires a fob. The fob's key sends an electronic signal to the vehicle to unlock doors or start the engine. It also opens the trunk, if equipped.
It is important to keep in mind that the car key fob isn't like the traditional metal key that you may have on your keychain. It's a complex 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 is always advisable to bring your fob to a professional for cutting and programming.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have keys that can be folded inside, similar to the switchblade. This lets the fob 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.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It may require special 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 technological know-how to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining the new key fob you want is fairly easy if you have the correct information. You will be required to know the car's year of manufacture, year of manufacture, and model. Bring with you a spare key that works.
Get the necessary equipment Before you begin to program your keyfob go through the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the right tools and equipment. You will need to enter a special mode that may require switching the ignition on and off at a specific number of times, pressing specific buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers may even use a flashing light or sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be cut and programmed. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs at an affordable cost than the dealership. We are also open longer than the dealership so you don't have to rush off to get your key fob cut and programmed.