Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting keys for cars involves more than simply bending a piece metal. It's an art that ensures security and ease of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the appropriate key cutting method for your model and make. The key cutting process takes only a few minutes and is much less expensive than purchasing new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest type of car key and date back to the early days of automotive locks. They are made up of grooves and ridges carved into them that align with the pin settings in the lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at many hardware stores, however an experienced locksmith with the right tools will usually be more successful in making copies that are more durable and can work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also able to make keys that are laser-cut. They are more secure than a traditional mechanical key because they feature grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to make copies or if someone tries to grind the key, they'll likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces that will not fit in the lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented as an additional layer of security. These keys contain a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it is legitimate. If the chip inside the key is not connected to your car, it will not start and will remain immobilised. 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 advancement in car keys. They are a combination of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your vehicle with the key, and allows you to do so from an extended distance. A mobile auto locksmith can make smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the most recent technology.
Many people believe that they can get a replacement for a damaged or lost mechanical key from a hardware store however this isn't a good idea. The majority of hardware stores do not have the necessary equipment or highly-trained professionals to create an effective key that will work in your car. You will save money and be more secure if you let the making of the key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more costly to produce than standard key blanks, but they provide a higher level of security for your car. They are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be placed into the lock on either side, and work. They also have a unique pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
The thicker shank with 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 the standard key, making it more difficult for thieves to open your car without much time and effort. These keys are less likely to get trapped in locks, because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock, it transmits a signal to the car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This informs the car that it is the right key and can be started. If a burglar does manage to steal an unauthorized copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it and not start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced in the 1990s and are used in many luxury cars. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to create keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours, a professional locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and at a reasonable price.
Depending on the car you drive it may be necessary to include a transponder chip into the ignition to get it working. You cannot do this yourself, and car dealerships charge a significant amount to do it. A good locksmith can program your transponder, however they might not have the same experience than your local dealer.
Transponder chips are included in the keys of many newer vehicles to provide an extra layer security. These chips are registered with your car's ignition system, which allows it to verify the key prior to beginning the engine. Even if someone succeeds in stealing the key and replicate it, they won't be capable of using it to start your car because the engine won't start in the event that it doesn't have a correct code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in almost all cars built within the last 20 years. These are radio transmitters which make sure your car isn't started without the correct keys. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against car theft, as thieves had come up with a variety of ways to start cars using brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip solved all of this because it only allowed the car to start for a brief period of time while also registering that there was a genuine key in place.
A standard transponder can look like a key made of metal with an outer cover made of plastic. The plastic top houses the transponder, which will send a signal to your car whenever the key is close enough. This signal contains a serial number digital which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals are compatible your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is among the most effective forms of anti-theft technologies that a car manufacturer has implemented since it has made car theft almost impossible for anyone who does not have a valid keys.
There are a variety of types of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some keys have a transponder chip in the head. Others come with a remote key fob that includes the transponder of the key. The key fobs will often include buttons that can lock/unlock your vehicle, set the alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you acquire an additional transponder key for your car and can even program it for you, if needed. The process is generally easy and requires only just a few steps. First, the new key needs to be cut using an ordinary metal key cutter, which can usually be done at any auto retailer. The transponder keys blanks must then be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process is usually fast and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars come with the remote keyless system which requires a fob. The fob sends a signal to your vehicle to open doors or start the engine. If equipped, it can also open the boot.
Keep in mind that the car fob is different from the traditional metal keys you may have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob yourself. It is recommended to leave the cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to professionals.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have an internal key that folds into it, much like the switchblade. key cutting cost lets the fob become smaller and tucked away when not in use. There are also fobs that resemble an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob when you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a visit to the dealer. Often, the dealer can only provide a fob that is compatible with the specific model of your car. The dealer has the technical expertise to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
The process of getting a replacement key fob can be fairly simple if you have the right information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. Bring an extra key that works.
Gather the Necessary Equipment Before you attempt to program your keyfob, review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the right tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a particular mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off a certain number times or some combination of these. Some manufacturers may even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the switch to programming mode.
You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it cut and programmed. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs at a the lower cost than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer so you don't have to rush to work to get your keyfob programed and cut.