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 skill that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting procedure for your car's make and model. The key cutting process takes only a few minutes and is cheaper than buying the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic type of car key and go back to the early days of automotive locks. These keys have a pattern that matches the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, however a locksmith with the proper tools can make copies that are more durable and will work inside your car.
A professional locksmith can make keys that are laser-cut. They are more secure than mechanical keys because they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it harder to duplicate the key, and if someone is using a grinder to attempt to duplicate the key, they'll likely leave some metal pieces that won't fit in the lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented to add another layer of security. They have a tiny chip in the head that communicates with your car so it knows it's genuine keys. If the chip in your car's key is not compatible, your car will not start. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the latest advancement in car keys. These are a combination between a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can open and start your vehicle with this key, and do it remotely. A professional auto locksmith mobile can make replacement smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores are not the best place to get a replacement mechanical key for the one that has been damaged or lost. Most hardware stores do not have the equipment or highly-trained experts to create a key that works well in your vehicle. You will save money and be safer if you leave the creation of the key to professionals.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys can be more expensive than standard blanks but they offer an extra security feature to your car. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle which allows them to be inserted into the lock at either end and still work. They also have a distinct pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to distinguish a key made of lasers from traditional bladed keys due to the wider shank with less grooves carved. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car as the key is harder to turn. These keys are also less likely to become stuck in locks because they have a more precise cut.
When you insert the laser-cut keys in your lock, a unique signal is sent to the car's receiver. This lets the car know that it's the correct key, and that it is able to be started. If a criminal manages to steal an unauthorised copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They cost more to make than regular keys and require specialized equipment, but they add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and efficiently at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
You may need to have the transponder chip programmed in your key, based on the vehicle you own. You cannot do this yourself, and dealers charge a lot for it. A reliable locksmith can program your transponder, but they might not have the same experience as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of a majority of newer vehicles to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system, allowing it to confirm that the key is genuine before you start the engine. Even if someone manages to steal the key and copy it, they won't be able to use it to start your car since the engine will refuse to start in the event that it doesn't have a proper code.
Transponder Keys
Nearly every car manufactured in the last 20 years or therefore will have an embedded transponder chip within it. These are radio transmitters that make sure your car isn't started without the correct keys. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft since thieves had found a lot of ways to start cars with brute force (pushing the ignition switch using a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the answer to all of this, as it only allowed the car to turn on for a short amount of time, and also confirmed that there was a key inside.
car key cutting and programming will appear like a standard metal key with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the actual transponder that will send the signal to your car when the key is close enough. The signal is comprised of the digital serial number that matches the original transponder that is inside your car. If the signals are compatible the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is the best security system a car manufacturer can implement as it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone with an authentic key.
Depending on the model, there are different types of transponder key that can be used. Some have the traditional transponder chip which is contained inside the head of the key. Some also have a remote fob that contains the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs usually include buttons which allow you to lock and unlock your car or set the alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you obtain a new transponder key for your car, and can program it for you, should you require it. This process is usually fairly straightforward and only requires a few steps. The new key has to be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any auto shop. Then, the blank transponder keys will need to be programmed for your specific vehicle by an experienced auto locksmith. car key cutting and programming of programming is typically extremely quick and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have the remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob's key sends signals to your vehicle to open doors or start the engine. It also opens the trunk, if equipped.
Remember that the car fob differs from the standard metal keys you've got on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. You should never try to cut your key fob on your own. It's best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to experts.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have an internal key that folds into it, much like a switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be tucked away when it's not being used. There are also fobs that look more like a regular key, without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob, it can be a huge hassle to find replacement. It may require specialized tools or a trip to the dealership. Often, the dealer can only offer a fob compatible with the specific model of your car. This is because the dealer has the technology expertise to make sure the replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
The process of finding an alternative key fob could be relatively simple if you have the right information. For car key cutting and programming , you need to know the year, make and model of your car. Take along a spare key that is functional.
Get the necessary equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob, review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure you have the right tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a particular mode that could involve switching the ignition off and on at a specific number of times, triggering certain buttons or a combination of both. Some manufacturers may even signal the switch to programming mode with a sound or light flash.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be cut and programmed. We'll save your time and money since we cut your key fobs at a lower price than the dealership. We are open earlier than the dealer and you won't have hurry in order to have your key fob programmed and cut.