Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than cutting a piece of metal. It's a skill that provides security, convenience and peace of mind to vehicle owners.
Bring your key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting procedure for your car's make and model. The process of cutting keys takes just a few minutes and is much less expensive than purchasing the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest type of car key and dates back to the beginning of automotive locks. They are made up of grooves and ridges carved into them that line up with the pins in a specific lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied at many hardware stores, however a professional locksmith with the right tools will typically have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and can work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also make laser-cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to duplicate the key and if someone uses a grinder to try to copy it, they'll likely leave the metal pieces that will not fit into your lock.
In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed to provide an additional layer of security. They have a tiny chip in the head that transmits information to your car to ensure it's authentic keys. If the chip in your car's key is not matched, your car won't start. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the latest evolution in car keys. These are a combination between keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. This lets you unlock and start your car by using the key. It also allows you to do this 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 believe that they can get an alternative for their damaged or lost mechanical key at hardware stores but this is not an appropriate method. The majority of hardware stores don't have the necessary equipment or highly-trained experts to create an effective key that will work in your car. You will save money and be safer if you leave the design of your key to professionals.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to produce than standard key blanks, but they provide a higher level of security for your vehicle. Lasers are used to carve them from the middle, allowing them to be inserted into the lock on either end and still work. They also have a unique pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and fewer grooves will help you identify a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This means that the key is harder to turn than a standard key, making it more difficult for thieves to open your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. Keys with this design are less likely to get caught in the lock, as they have a more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut keys inside your lock, a unique signal is sent to the car's receiver. This signals the car that it's the correct key, and that it is able to be used to start. If a burglar manages to get their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle's transmitter will not register it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s and are now used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They cost more to make than regular keys and require special equipment, but they add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and easily at a reasonable price if you lose it.
You might need to have the transponder chip programmed into your key depending on the vehicle you drive. It's not something you can do yourself, and car dealerships charge a significant amount to do it. A reputable locksmith can program your transponder, but they may not have as much expertise than your local dealer.
The majority of newer vehicles come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips that provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system and allow it to check that the key is genuine before starting the engine. Even if someone succeeds in stealing the key and replicate it but isn't capable of using it to start your car as the engine will refuse to start if it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Most cars built in the past 20 years or so will have a transponder chip in it. These are radio transmitters that stop your car from being started without the correct keys. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft because thieves had found a lot of ways to start vehicles by 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 start for a short time, but also verify that there was a genuine key in the ignition.
A standard transponder key will look much like a regular metal key with a transparent top. The plastic top houses the transponder, which will send the signal to your car when the key is near enough. The signal is an electronic serial number that matches the original transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible, your car will allow you to operate it. This is the best security system a car manufacturer can implement because it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone with a valid key.
There are several types of transponder keys which can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Some keys have a transponder chip inside the head. Others have an electronic key fob that has the key transponder. Key fobs typically have buttons on them that allow you to lock or unlock your car, set the alarm, and many other functions.
A locksmith can assist you obtain an additional transponder key for your car, and can program it for you, should you require it. The process is typically simple and involves only just a few steps. First, the new key needs to be cut with a regular metal key cutter, which is usually be done in any automotive retailer. The transponder keys that are blank must then be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming is typically very quick and only takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have a remote keyless system that requires fob. The fob is used to send a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. If it is equipped, it will also open the boot.
It is important to keep in mind that the car key fob is not like the traditional metal key you've got on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that has to be programmed correctly to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Don't try to cut your key fob on your own. It is always recommended to bring your fob to an expert to cut and program it.
mobile key cutting near me are typically small and rectangular. Some have an open key that folds inside, much like an ad-hoc switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and compact when not being used. There are fobs without the foldable feature, that appear like regular-sized keys.
It can be difficult to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It may require specialized tools or a trip to the dealership. Often, dealers can only offer a fob compatible with your specific model. This is because the dealer has the technological know-how to ensure that a replacement fob matches up with your car's security system.
Fortunately, the process of getting a new key fob is fairly easy if you have the right information. You'll be required to know the car's year, make and model. Take an extra key that is functional.
Get the tools you need: Prior to beginning to program your key fob, read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. car keys cut and programmed 'll need to enter a particular mode that might involve switching the ignition on and off a certain number of times, pressing specific buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers might even employ a flashing light or a sound to signal the start of programming mode.
You can take your keyfob 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 for less than the dealership. We are open later than the dealership so you don't have to rush to get your keyfob programmed and cut.