Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting car keys involves more than simply bending a piece metal. It's a skill that offers security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key using the appropriate key cutting procedure for your car's brand and model. The process of cutting keys takes just few minutes and is less expensive than buying a new car key at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the most basic kind of car key. They have a pattern of grooves and ridges cut into them that align with the pins in the lock to unlock it. The majority of hardware stores can duplicate mechanical keys, however a locksmith with the proper tools can make copies that are more durable and can be used in your car.
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 more difficult to make copies, and if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal scraps which will not fit into your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an extra 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 on the car's key isn't matched, your car won't start. These keys are more costly than a mechanical key and require a professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the most recent advancement in car keys. These are a combination between keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your vehicle using the key, and allows you to do so from a distance. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your car in a matter of minutes using the most recent technology.
Many people think they can find a replacement for their lost or damaged mechanical key from a hardware store however this isn't a safe practice. The majority of hardware stores don't have the tools or highly-trained professionals to create keys that work in your vehicle. It is better to leave the creation of your key to a professional and you'll save money in the long run by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys may be more expensive than regular blanks, but they offer an extra security feature to your car. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle, allowing them to be inserted into the lock at either side and still function. They also have a distinct pattern and are harder to duplicate.
You can distinguish a key made of lasers from bladed keys with traditional design by the wider shank with fewer carved grooves. This means that the key is harder to turn than the standard key, making it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your car without a lot of time and effort. The keys are less likely to get stuck in the lock because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut key into your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This signals the car that it's the correct key, and it can be used to start. If a criminal is able to get their hands on a stolen key, the car's transmitter will not register it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced in the 1990s, and are currently used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours a professional locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and at reasonable cost.
Depending on your car, you may need to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to get it to work. This isn't something you can do by yourself and most dealerships will charge you an arm and a leg to complete the task for you. A reliable locksmith will be able program your transponder, but they might not have as much expertise as the local dealer.
auto key cutting of modern cars have keys laser-cut that have transponder chips that provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with the car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the key before making the motor start. Even if the person who stole it is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they will not be able to use it to start the car since the engine won't start if the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Nearly every car manufactured in the last 20 years or therefore will have a transponder chip in it. They are basically radio transmitters that can stop your car from starting if you don't have the proper key in place. This was a major innovation in the fight against auto theft because thieves had discovered a variety of ways to start cars with brute force (pushing the ignition switch using the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the answer to all of this, since it allowed the car to be turned on for a brief period of time, and also confirmed that there was a key present.
A standard transponder key will appear like a regular metal key with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the actual transponder, which will send a signal to your car whenever the key is close enough. This signal has an electronic 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 best forms of anti-theft technology a car manufacturer has implemented because it has made car theft almost impossible for those who do not possess a valid key.
Based on the model, there are several different kinds of transponder keys that can be used. Some have an old-fashioned transponder chip that is housed inside the head of the key. Some have an electronic key fob that has the transponder of the key. Key fobs usually feature buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your vehicle or set the alarm and many other functions.
A locksmith can help get you a new transponder for your vehicle, and even program it if needed. This process is usually simple and only involves a few simple steps. The new key must be cut using a key cutter. This can be done at any automotive store. The transponder keys blanks will then have to be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process usually takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have a remote keyless 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, if it is equipped.
Remember that a car fob is different from the traditional metal keys you've got on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. That's why you should never attempt cutting your own fob. It's best to leave the cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to experts.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have keys that folds inside, similar to an ad-hoc switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and compact when not being used. You can find fobs without the foldable feature, which look like normal-sized keys.
If car key cutting price lose your key fob, it can be a real trouble to obtain a replacement. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, the dealer can only provide a fob that is compatible with the specific model of your car. The dealer has the technical expertise to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
The process of obtaining the replacement key fob you need can be quite simple if have the correct details. First, you have to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Bring with you a spare key that is functional.
Make sure you have the required 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 may require switching the ignition on and off for a certain amount of times, pressing specific buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers will even signal the entry into programming mode by making a sound or flashing lights.
After you've gathered all the necessary materials, you can bring your key fob to your closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs at an affordable cost than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open longer than the dealership so you don't have to rush off to cut your key fob and programmed.