Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It's an art form that guarantees security and ease of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the correct key cutting technique for your particular model and make. The key-cutting procedure takes only a few minutes and is much less expensive than purchasing new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car key. They have an arrangement that is in line with the pins of the lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at the majority of hardware stores, but a professional locksmith with the right tools will usually be more successful in making copies that are more durable and will work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also be able to create laser cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to make copies and, if someone attempts to use a grinder on the key, they'll likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces that won't fit into your lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were created to add another layer of security. They have a tiny chip in the head that transmits information to your car to ensure it's genuine keys. If the chip inside your key isn't matched to your vehicle, it will not start and will remain unresponsive. Keys that are programmed to be more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the newest technology in car keys. They are an amalgamation of traditional mechanical keys and a remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your car by using the key. It also allows you to do so from an extended distance. A mobile professional auto locksmith can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores are not the best place to get an alternative mechanical key for the one that has been damaged or lost. The majority of chains don't have the proper equipment or highly trained professionals to be able to create a quality key that can be used in your vehicle. It is much safer to hand over the making of your key to a professional, and you'll likely save money in the end by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys can be more expensive than standard blanks, however they add an additional layer of security to your car. They are cut from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be put into the lock on either side, and work. They have a unique pattern and are more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and smaller grooves can help you discern a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This means that the key is harder to turn than a standard key which makes it harder for thieves to open your car without much time and effort. These keys are also less likely to become stuck in locks because they are more precise cut.
When car key cut insert the laser-cut keys into your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This informs the car that it's the correct key and can be started. If a thief is able to get their hands on an unauthorised key, the vehicle transmitter will not recognize it. It will be unable to start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced in the 1990s, and are currently used in many luxury cars. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to make, but they provide an extra layer security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace it quickly and efficiently at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
You may need to have the transponder chip installed in your key, based on the vehicle you drive. You cannot do this yourself, and dealers charge a significant amount to do it. A reliable locksmith will be able program your transponder, but they may not have as much expertise as the local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of most newer cars to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with the car's ignition system, which allows it to verify the keys before beginning the engine. Even if a thief manages to steal the key and copy it but isn't capable of using it to start your car because the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in almost all cars built in the past 20 years. These are radio transmitters that can stop your car from starting without the correct key installed. This was a major innovation in the fight against auto theft because thieves had discovered a variety of ways to start vehicles 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 that as it only allowed the car to turn on for a brief period of time, but also verify that there was a valid key in the ignition.
A standard transponder can look like a key made of steel with an outer cover made of plastic. The plastic top houses the transponder which sends an alert to your car whenever the key is close enough. This signal has an electronic serial number that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals match the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is one of the most effective methods of anti-theft technology that a car manufacturer has implemented as it has made car theft nearly impossible for anyone who doesn't have a valid key.
There are several types of transponder keys which can be used in your vehicle, based on the model. Some have a traditional transponder chip that is housed in the head of the key. car key cut have a remote fob that contains the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs usually have buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder for your vehicle and will program it if needed. This process is usually simple and requires only the following steps. First, the new key has to be cut with a regular metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any automotive retailer. Then, the transponder keys will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The procedure of programming usually takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have the remote keyless system which requires fob. The fob is used to send a signal from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. If it's equipped, it can also unlock the boot.
It is important to keep in mind that a 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 which must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob on your own. It's best to leave the cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to experts.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside it, similar to the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be tucked away when not in use. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, which appear like regular-sized keys.
If you lose your key fob, it could be a major hassle to find a replacement. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers can often only provide the key fob that is compatible with your 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 obtaining a replacement key fob can be quite simple if have the correct details. For starters, you need to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Take an extra key that is functional.
Gather the necessary tools: Before trying to program your key fob, read the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a specific mode, which may require pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition a certain number times or a combination. Some manufacturers may even signal entry into programming mode by making a sound or light flash.
You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be programmed and cut. We'll save your time and money since we cut your key fobs at cheaper than the dealership. We are open later than the dealership and you won't have hurry to have your key fob programmed and cut.