Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting keys for cars requires more than just bent metal. It's a technique that offers security and ease of mind to vehicle owners.
Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting procedure for your car's brand and model. The process of cutting keys takes a matter of minutes and is much less costly than purchasing a new car key purchased from a dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic type of car key and date back to the beginning of automobile locks. They are made up of grooves and ridges cut into them that line up with the pin settings of the lock to unlock it. Hardware stores are able to copy mechanical keys, but locksmiths who have the right tools will be able to make copies that are more durable and will work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can make keys that are laser-cut. They are more secure than mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to duplicate the key, and, if someone uses a grinder to attempt to duplicate the key they'll likely end up leaving the metal pieces that won't fit in the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an additional layer of security. These keys have a small chip in the head that transmits information to your car to ensure it's authentic keys. If the chip inside your key is not matched to your car, it will not start and remain in a standstill. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the latest advancement in car keys. These are a combination between keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. car key cutting price allows you to unlock and start your car by using the key. It also lets you do it from an extended distance. A mobile auto locksmith can make smart keys for your vehicle in minutes using the latest technology.
Many people may think that they can find an alternative for a damaged or lost mechanical key at hardware stores, but this is not a safe practice. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled experts to be able to create a quality key that will work well in your vehicle. It is better to leave the design of your key to a professional, and you'll likely save money over the long term by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys cost more to make than standard key blanks but offer an additional layer of security for your car. Lasers are used to carve keys from the middle permitting them to be put into the lock at either end and still work. They feature a distinct design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and fewer grooves will help you distinguish a laser-cut from a bladed traditional key. This means that the key is harder to turn than a standard key which makes it harder for thieves to open your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. These keys are less likely to be stuck in the lock as they have a more precise cutting.
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 informs the car that it's the correct key and can be started. If a thief does manage to obtain an unauthorized copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not register it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s, and are currently used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They cost more to make than regular keys and require special equipment, but they add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose one, a professional locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and easily for a reasonable price.
Depending on the car you drive it may be necessary to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to get it to work. This isn't something that you can do by yourself and the majority of car dealerships will charge you an amount of money to perform the program for you. A reputable locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder for you, although they may not have the same degree of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips that provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered with the car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the key before beginning the engine. Even if a thief is able to steal and duplicate the key, they won't be able to start the car since the engine will not start in the event that the code isn't valid.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in almost all cars built in the past 20 years. They are basically radio transmitters that will prevent your car from starting without the correct key installed. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft, since thieves had devised a variety of methods to start cars with brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch with flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip was the solution to all of this, because it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short amount of time, and also confirmed that there was a key in place.
A standard transponder can look like a metal key with a top made of plastic. This plastic top contains the actual transponder that will send a signal to your car whenever the key is within close proximity. The signal is comprised of an electronic serial number that matches the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals are compatible, you will be in a position to operate your vehicle. This is one of the most effective methods of anti-theft technology that the car manufacturer has put in place as it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for those who do not have a valid key.
Depending on the model, there are several different kinds of transponder keys that can be used. Some are equipped with the traditional transponder chip which is contained inside the head of the key. Some have remote keys that includes the transponder for the key. The key fobs will often include buttons that can lock/unlock your vehicle, set the alarm, and other functions.
A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder for your vehicle and can even program it if you need to. The process is typically simple and only involves the following steps. First, the new key will need to be cut with an ordinary 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 experienced auto locksmith. The process of programming is typically extremely quick and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars use the remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob is used to send the vehicle a signal to unlock the doors, or start the motor. It can also open the trunk, provided it's equipped.
It is important to keep in mind that the car key fob isn't like the typical metal key you might have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. You should never try to cut your key fob by yourself. It is always recommended to bring your key fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have keys that folds inside, similar to the switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and to be stored away when not in use. You can also find fobs that resemble an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
It may be difficult to replace your key fob when you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a visit to the dealer. Usually, the dealer will only offer a fob compatible with the specific model of your car. This is because the dealer has the technology know-how to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
The process of getting the replacement key fob you need can be fairly simple if you have the right information. You will need to know your car's year, make and model. Also, you should have a working spare key with you to take along.
Get the necessary equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob go through the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the correct tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a special mode that might involve turning the ignition off and on a certain number of times, pressing specific buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers may even signal the entry into programming mode by sound or flashing light.
You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be cut and programmed. We can save you time and money as we cut your key fobs for less than the dealership. We are open later than the dealership and you won't have to rush to work to get your keyfob programed and cut.