Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than creating a metal piece. It's a skill that provides security and ease of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key using the appropriate key cutting procedure for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys takes just about a minute and is much less expensive than purchasing the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic kind of car keys and date back to the early days of automotive locks. They are made up of grooves and ridges carved into them that align with the pin settings of the lock that allows you to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied from the majority of hardware stores, but a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will usually have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and can work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also be capable of making laser-cut keys. They 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 grinders to try to duplicate the key, they'll likely leave some metal pieces that won't fit in the lock.
In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed to add another layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip in their head that transmits information to your car so it knows it's authentic keys. If the chip in the key is not connected to your car it will not be able to start and remain in a standstill. Keys that are programmed to be more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the latest advancement in car keys. They are a combination of the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can unlock and start your vehicle with this key, and do it via remote. A professional auto locksmith on the move can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes using the most advanced technology.
Many people believe that they can get a replacement for their lost or damaged mechanical key from a hardware store but this is not a good idea. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled professionals to make a quality key that can be used in your vehicle. You will save money and be more secure if you let the design of your key to an expert.
auto key cutting machine cut keys cost more to make than standard key blanks, but provide an additional layer of security for your car. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either end and still work. They have a unique pattern and are more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and smaller grooves can help you distinguish a laser-cut from a bladed traditional key. This makes the key harder to turn than the standard key, making it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. These keys are also less likely to become stuck in the lock because they have a more precise cut.
When you insert the laser-cut keys inside your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the car's receiver. This informs the car that it's the right key, and that it is able to be started. If a burglar is able to get their hands onto an unauthorized key, the vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize 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 are more expensive to make than regular key blanks and require specialized equipment, but they add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace it quickly and easily at a reasonable cost if you lose it.
You might need to have the transponder chip programmed into your key, based on the car you own. This isn't something that you can do on your own, and most car dealerships will charge you an amount of money to perform the program for you. A reputable locksmith can program your transponder, but they may not have the same expertise than your local dealer.
Transponder chips are included in the keys of a majority of newer cars to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system and allow it to verify that the key is authentic before starting the engine. Even if a thief is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they will not be able to use it to start the car as the engine won't start if the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in the majority of cars manufactured in the last 20 years. These are essentially radio transmitters that prevent your car from starting without the correct key installed. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against car theft, as thieves had developed many 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 able to solve all of that as it could only allow the car to start for a short period of time, but also verify that there was a genuine key in place.
A standard transponder keys will look like a regular metal key, but with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the transponder which sends the signal to your car when the key is close enough. The signal is an electronic serial number that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is the most effective security system a car manufacturer can implement since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone who does not have a valid key.
Based on the model, there are several different types of transponder key that can be used. Some of them have a traditional transponder chip that is located inside the head of the key. Some have an accessory fob that houses the transponder of the key. The key fobs will often have buttons on them that can lock/unlock your car, set the alarm, and other functions.
A locksmith can help you get an updated transponder key to your car and can even program it for you, if necessary. The process is generally easy and requires only a few steps. First, the new key needs to be cut using the standard metal key cutter, which can be done in any automotive store. The blank transponder keys will then have to be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming typically takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have an electronic keyless entry system that requires a fob. The key fob transmits signals to your vehicle to unlock doors and start the engine. It can also open the trunk, provided it's equipped.
It is important to keep in mind that the car key fob is not like the traditional key you might have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that has to be properly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. You should never try to cut your key fob yourself. It is always advisable to take your key fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some feature a key that folds inside it, similar to a switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be tucked away when not in use. You can find fobs without the foldable feature that appear like regular-sized keys.
It can be difficult to replace your key fob when you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealership. Dealers can often only provide an item that is compatible with the model you have. This is because the dealer has the technological know-how to ensure that a replacement fob matches up with the security system of your vehicle.
The process of finding a replacement key fob can be quite simple if have the right information. You will need to know your car's year, make, and model. Also, you must have a spare key that you can bring with you.
Get the necessary equipment Before you attempt to program your keyfob review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure you have the correct tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a specific mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off in a certain amount of times, or a combination. Certain manufacturers may also signal the switch to programming mode with a sound or flashing lights.
Once you've gathered the required materials, you can bring your key fob to your nearest 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. We are open earlier than the dealer and you won't have to rush in order to get your keyfob programed and cut.