Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting car keys involves more than just bending a piece metal. It's a technique that provides security, convenience, and peace of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your existing 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 process takes only about a minute and is much less expensive than purchasing the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car keys. They have a pattern that matches the pins of the lock to open it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at the majority of hardware stores, but a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will generally have better success making copies that are more durable and will work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also be able to create laser cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys because they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to make copies or if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they'll likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces which will not fit into your lock.
In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed to provide an additional layer of security. These keys have a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to let it know it is legitimate. If the chip inside your key isn't matched to your car it will not begin and remain in a standstill. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than a mechanical key and require professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the most recent advancement in car keys. They're a combination of traditional mechanical keys and a remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your vehicle with the key, and allows you to do this from the distance. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your car in a matter of minutes using the most recent technology.
Many people may think that they can get a replacement for their damaged or lost mechanical key from the hardware store, but this is not an appropriate method. The majority of hardware stores don't have the necessary equipment or highly-trained professionals to create a key that works well in your vehicle. You will save money and be safer if you leave the making of the key to an expert.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys may be more expensive than regular blanks, but they offer an extra security feature to your vehicle. They are carved from the middle using a laser which allows them to be put in the lock on either side and still work. They feature a distinct design and are more difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to distinguish a key made of lasers from traditional bladed keys due to the larger shank, which has less grooves carved. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car because the key is more difficult to turn. Keys with this design are less likely to be caught in the lock, because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock it sends a signal to the car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the correct key, and that it is able to be started. If a criminal manages to obtain an unauthorized copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and not start.
Laser-cut keys have been used in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and at a reasonable cost if you lose it.
It is possible that you will need the transponder chip programmed in your key based on the vehicle you own. This isn't something you can do on your own and the majority of car dealers will charge an amount of money to complete the task for you. A reputable locksmith will be able to program your transponder for you, although they may not have the same amount of experience as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of most modern cars to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system and permit it to confirm that the key is legitimate before starting the engine. Even if someone is able to steal the key and duplicate it, they won't be in a position to start your car because the engine won't start when it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in nearly all vehicles built in the past 20 years. These are essentially radio transmitters that can keep your car from starting if you don't have the correct key in place. This was a significant breakthrough in the fight against car theft as thieves had come up with a variety of ways to start cars by brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using screwdrivers with flat blades) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip was the solution to all of this since it allowed the car to be turned on for a short amount of time. It also verified that there was a key inside.
A standard transponder can look like a key made of metal with a top made of plastic. This plastic top houses the transponder, which will send an alert to your car when the key is close enough. This signal has the digital serial number that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible, your car will allow you to operate it. This is among the most effective forms of anti-theft technologies that the car manufacturer has put in place as it has made car theft almost impossible for those who do not have a valid key.
Based on the model, there are several different kinds of transponder keys that are available. Some are equipped with a traditional transponder chip that is located in the head of the key. Some also have an accessory fob that houses the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs usually include buttons that permit you to lock/unlock the car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you acquire an updated transponder key to your car and can even program it for you, if needed. The process is generally simple and involves several steps. First, the new key will need to be cut using a regular metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any auto store. The transponder keys blanks will then need to be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming typically takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars come with an electronic remote keyless system that requires fob. The fob is used to send the vehicle a signal 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 the car key fob is not like the typical metal key you might have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. That's why you should never attempt to cut your fob yourself. It is best to leave the cutting and programming of your key fobs to professionals.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have keys that can be folded inside, much like an ad-hoc switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be put away when it's not being used. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, which appear like regular-sized keys.
If you lost your key fob, it can be a real trouble to obtain an alternative. It may require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, the dealer can only provide a fob that is compatible with your specific model. This is because the dealer has the technological expertise to make sure the replacement fob is compatible with the security system of your vehicle.
The process of finding a replacement key fob can be relatively simple if you have the correct details. To begin, you'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. Bring along a spare key that works.
Gather Necessary Tools: Before attempting to program your key fob, consult the manual of the manufacturer to ensure that you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You'll be required to enter a specific mode, which may require pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition a certain number times or a combination. Certain manufacturers may also signal the switch to programming mode by sound or flashing light.
Once you've collected the necessary items, you can take your key fob to your nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs for a much more reasonable price than the dealership. In addition, we are open later than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.