Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting requires more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's a skill that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the correct key cutting method for your make and model. The key cutting process takes only a few minutes and is cheaper than buying new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest form of car key and date back to the early days of automotive locks. They are made with a pattern that matches the pins of the lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied from many hardware stores, however a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will typically have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and will work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also able to create laser cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to copy the key and if someone is using grinders to try to duplicate the key, they'll likely leave some metal pieces that won't fit in your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an extra layer of security. These keys have a small chip in their head that communicates to your car so it knows it's genuine keys. If the chip on the car's key isn't compatible, your vehicle will not start. These keys are more costly than a mechanical key and require professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the newest advancement in car keys. They are an amalgamation of the traditional mechanical key and remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your car using the key, and allows you to do so from a distance. A professional auto locksmith on the move can create smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the latest technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option for an alternative mechanical key for the one that has been damaged or lost. The majority of hardware stores do not have the tools or highly-trained professionals to make keys that work in your vehicle. It is safer to leave the design of your key to a professional, and you'll save money over the long term by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys cost more to produce than standard keys, but offer an additional layer of security for your car. Lasers are used to carve them from the middle, allowing them to be inserted into the lock at either end, and work. They have a distinctive pattern that is more difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to tell a laser-cut key apart from traditional bladed keys due to the thicker shank that has smaller grooves that have been carved. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car as the key is harder to turn. Keys with this design are less likely to be caught in the lock, since they have more precise cutting.
When you insert a laser-cut keys into your lock, it sends a signal to your car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the correct key and allows it to start. If a burglar is able to get their hands onto an unauthorized key, the vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it. It will be unable to start.
Laser-cut keys have been utilized in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive to make than regular keys and require special equipment, but they do add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and efficiently at a reasonable cost if you lose it.
You might need to have the transponder chip programmed in your key based on the vehicle you drive. This isn't something that you can do by yourself and the majority of car dealerships will charge an arm and a leg to do it for you. A reliable locksmith will be able program your transponder, but they might not have the same experience as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are included in the keys of most newer cars to provide an extra layer security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system and permit it to confirm that the key is authentic before allowing the engine to start. Even if the thief is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they will not be able use it to start the car since the engine will not start in the event that the code isn't valid.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in almost all cars built in the last 20 years. These are essentially radio transmitters that keep your car from starting if you don't have the correct key in place. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft since thieves had discovered a myriad of ways to start cars with brute force (pushing the ignition switch with the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved all of this because it could only allow the car to start for a brief period of time, while also registering that there was a valid key in the ignition.
A normal transponder will appear like a key made of steel with a top made of plastic. This plastic top houses the actual transponder which sends an alert to your car when the key is near enough. The signal is a digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals match your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is the best anti-theft technology an automaker can put in place because it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone with a valid key.
There are a few different types of transponder keys which can be used in your vehicle, based on the model. Some keys include a transponder chip in the head. Others have an electronic key fob which includes the transponder for the key. The key fobs will often feature buttons that can lock/unlock your vehicle, set the alarm, and many other functions.
A locksmith can help you obtain an updated transponder key to your vehicle and even program it for you, if necessary. This procedure is usually straightforward and only involves just a few steps. The new key has to be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be done at any auto shop. Then, the blank transponder key will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The programming process is usually fast and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have a remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob transmits the vehicle a signal to unlock the doors or start the motor. It can also open the trunk, if equipped.
Be aware that the car fob is different from the traditional metal keys that you might have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that needs to be programmed correctly to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. It is not recommended to cut your key fob yourself. It is best to leave the cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to professionals.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some come with keys that can be folded inside, much like a switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be tucked away when it's not in use. There are also fobs that resemble the regular key, but without the foldable key.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob when you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to a dealer. Often, dealers can only provide a fob that is compatible with the specific model of your car. This is because the dealer has the technological experience to ensure that a replacement fob matches up with your car's security system.
The process of getting the replacement key fob you need can be fairly simple if you have the correct details. First, you have to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Also, you should have a spare key to bring along.
Gather the necessary tools: Before trying to program your key fob, consult the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you have all the required tools and equipment. You'll be required to enter a specific mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition at a specific number of times or a combination. Some manufacturers may even signal entry into programming mode by making a sound or flashing light.
After you've gathered all the necessary items, you can take your key fob into your nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs for the lower cost than the dealership. We are open earlier than the dealer, so you won't need hurry in order to get your keyfob programmed and cut.