Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's an art that ensures security and convenience as well as peace 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 method for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys takes just a few minutes and is much less expensive than purchasing a new car key at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic type of car key and date back to the early days of automotive locks. They are made with an arrangement that is in line with the pin settings of a lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied at most hardware stores, but an experienced locksmith with the right tools will generally have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can create laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to duplicate the key, and if someone is using a grinder to attempt to copy it they'll likely end up leaving behind metal scraps which won't fit in the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an extra layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip in their head that transmits information to your car to ensure it's genuine keys. If the chip inside the car's key isn't matched, your vehicle will not start. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the most recent evolution in car keys. These are the result of combining traditional mechanical keys and a remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your car using the key, and allows you to do this from an extended distance. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best place to get an alternative mechanical key for a lost or damaged one. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly trained professionals to make a quality key that can be used in your vehicle. You will save money and be more secure if you delegate the design of your key to an expert.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to make than standard key blanks but offer an additional layer of security for your vehicle. Lasers are used to carve keys from the middle allowing them to be inserted into the lock at either end, and work. They also have a different design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and less grooves will allow you to distinguish a laser-cut from a bladed traditional key. This makes the key more difficult to turn than a standard key and makes it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your car without much time and effort. These keys are also less likely to become stuck in the lock because they have a more precise cut.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock, it transmits a signal to the car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the correct key, and that it is able to be used to start. If a burglar does manage to obtain an unauthorised copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it and will not start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury cars since the 1990s. key cut service are more expensive and require specialized equipment them, but they offer an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
You might need to have the transponder chip installed in your key, based on the car you own. This isn't something you can do by yourself, and most car dealers will charge an expense of a few hundred dollars to perform the program for you. A good locksmith will be able program your transponder, but they might not have the same expertise than your local dealer.
Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of many newer vehicles to provide an extra layer security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system and allow it to confirm that the key is authentic before allowing the engine to start. Even if the person who stole it is able to steal and duplicate the key, they won't be able to use it to start the car because the engine won't start when the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in almost all cars built in the last 20 years. These are radio transmitters which make sure your car isn't started without the right keys. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft since thieves had discovered a variety of ways to start vehicles by brute force (pushing the ignition switch with 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. It also verified that there was a key inside.
A standard transponder key will look much like a normal metal key with a plastic top. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder, which will send a message to your car whenever the key is in close proximity. This signal contains an electronic 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 anti-theft technology an automaker can put in place because it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone who does not have an authentic key.
There are a variety of kinds of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, depending on the model. key cutting services are equipped with the traditional transponder chip which is housed inside the head of the key. Some have a remote fob which houses the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs typically come with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car or set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder to your vehicle, and even program it if needed. The process is generally easy and requires only a few steps. The new key needs to be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any automotive store. Then, the blank transponder key will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The process of programming is typically very quick and only takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have 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, provided it's equipped.
Keep in mind that the car fob is different from the traditional metal keys you may have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to fit your specific vehicle. That's why you should never attempt cutting your own fob. It is always recommended to bring your key fob to a professional to cut and program it.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some come with keys that folds inside, similar to a switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and to be stored away when not being used. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, that appear like regular-sized keys.
It may be difficult to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, the dealer can only offer a fob compatible with your specific model. This is because the dealer has the technology expertise to make sure the replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
The process of getting an alternative key fob could be quite simple if have the right information. For starters, you need to know the year, model and year of your car. Bring an extra key that is functional.
Gather the necessary tools: Before beginning to program your key fob, consult the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a specific mode that could involve switching the ignition on and off for a certain amount of times, pressing specific buttons or a combination of both. Some manufacturers may even use an illuminated light or sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
You can bring your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money because we cut your key fobs for cheaper than the dealership. We are also open later than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.