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, convenience and peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the appropriate key cutting procedure for your particular model and make. The key-cutting process takes only a few minutes and is less expensive than a replacement car key purchased from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the simplest kind of car key. They have a pattern of ridges and grooves cut into them that line up with the pin settings in the lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied from many hardware stores, however a professional locksmith with the right tools will generally have better success making copies that are more durable and can work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also able to create laser cut keys. They are more secure than a traditional mechanical key because they feature grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it harder to make copies or if someone tries to grind the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces that won't fit into your lock.
In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed to provide an additional layer of security. These keys contain a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your car to let it know it is authentic. If online inside the key of your car is not matched, your car will not start. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the most recent development in car keys. These are a combination between the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your vehicle by using the key. It also lets you do it from a distance. A mobile professional auto locksmith can make replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best option for a new mechanical key to replace damaged or lost keys. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled professionals to be able to create an excellent key that works in your vehicle. It is safer to leave the design of your key to a professional and you'll likely save money in the long run by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more costly to produce than standard key blanks but offer an additional layer of security for 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 function. They also have a unique pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to distinguish a key made of lasers from bladed keys with traditional design by the larger shank, which has less grooves carved. This makes the key harder to turn than an ordinary key, making it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. Keys with this design are also less likely to become stuck in locks because they are more precise cut.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock it sends a signal to your car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This lets the car know it's the correct key and can be started. If a burglar is able to get their hands on a stolen key, the car's transmitter will not recognize it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to make 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 should you lose it.
You may need to have the transponder chip installed in your key, based on the vehicle you own. It's not something you can do by yourself, and dealerships charge a lot for it. A good locksmith should be able to program your transponder for you however they might not have the same amount of experience as the dealer you are dealing with.
Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips, which provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system and permit it to check that the key is authentic before starting the engine. Even if someone is able to steal the key and duplicate it however, they will not be able to use it to start your car as the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in almost all cars built in the past 20 years. These are radio transmitters which stop your car from being started without the right keys. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft because thieves had discovered a myriad of methods to start cars through brute force (pushing the ignition switch with a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve the problem since it would only allow the car to be turned on for a short period of time, while also registering that there was a valid key in place.
A regular transponder key will look much like a regular metal key with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the transponder that will send an alert to your car when the key is close enough. This signal contains an electronic serial number that matches the original transponder that is inside your car. If the signals match, you will be capable of operating your car. This is the most effective security system an automaker can put in place as it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without an authentic key.
Depending on the model, there are several different kinds of transponder keys that are available. Certain keys come with a transponder chip in the head. Some have a remote fob which houses the transponder of the key. The key fobs will often include buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your vehicle and set the alarm and other functions.
A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder to your vehicle and will program it if needed. This procedure is usually straightforward and requires only just a few steps. The new key needs to be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be done at any auto shop. The transponder keys that are blank will then have to be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process is usually extremely quick and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have a remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob's key sends an electronic signal to the vehicle to open doors or start the engine. It can also open the trunk, if it is equipped.
It is important to keep in mind that a car key fob isn't like the typical metal key that you may have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be properly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. You should never try to cut your key fob on your own. It is always recommended to take your fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some come with a key that can be folded inside, similar to a switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be hidden away when it's not in use. There are also fobs that appear more like a regular key, without the foldable key.
It can be difficult to replace your key fob when you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers usually only offer an item that is compatible with the model you have. The dealer has the technical knowledge to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
The process of getting an alternative key fob could be relatively simple if you have the right information. First, you have to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. You should also have a working spare key that you can bring with you.
Gather 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'll have to enter a special mode that could involve switching the ignition on and off at a specific number of times, pressing specific buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers might even employ an illuminated light or sound to signal the switch to programming mode.
Once you've collected the necessary materials, you'll be able to bring your key fob into 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 the lower cost than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open later than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to get your key fob cut and programmed.