Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than creating a metal piece. It's an art that ensures security and ease of mind for car owners.
Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting method for your vehicle's make and model. The key-cutting procedure takes only few minutes and is much less expensive than purchasing new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest form of car key and go back to the early days of automotive locks. They have patterns that match the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, but locksmiths with the right tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and will work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also be able to create laser cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to duplicate and, if someone attempts to make use of a grinder to the key, they will likely leave behind a large amount of metal scraps which will not fit into your lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were created to add another layer of security. These keys contain a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your car to inform it that it is legitimate. If the chip on the car's key isn't matched, your vehicle will not start. These keys are more costly than a mechanical key and require expert cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the latest advancement in car keys. They are the result of combining a traditional mechanical key and remote control. You can unlock and start your car with this key and do so remotely. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your car in minutes using the latest technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best option for a replacement mechanical key for a lost or damaged one. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled experts to make a quality key that can be used in your vehicle. You will save money and be safer if you leave the creation of the key to an expert.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys can be more expensive than standard blanks however they add an additional security feature to your car. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle, allowing them to be inserted into the lock at either end and still work. They have a unique pattern that is more difficult to duplicate.
The longer shank that is thicker and has fewer grooves will help you distinguish a laser-cut from a bladed traditional key. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car since the key is harder to turn. The keys are less likely to get stuck 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 its unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the right key and it can be used to start. If a thief does manage to steal an unauthorized copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not register it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require special equipment to create keys, but they do provide an extra layer security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and at a reasonable price if you lose it.
Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to allow it working. You cannot do this yourself, and car dealerships charge a significant amount to do it. A reputable locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder for you however they might not have the same amount of experience as the dealer you are dealing with.
Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of most newer cars to add an additional layer of security. These chips are synchronized with your car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the key prior to making the motor start. Even if the person who stole it is capable of stealing and copying the key, they will not be able to use it to start the car because the engine won't start in the event that the code isn't valid.
Transponder Keys
Almost any car built in the last 20 years or that's why it has a transponder chip inside of it. These are radio transmitters that keep your car from starting if you don't have the proper key in place. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against car theft, as thieves had come up with a variety of ways to start cars by brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip solved the problem since it would only allow the car to turn on for a short time, while also registering that there was a genuine key in the ignition.
A regular transponder keys will look like a standard metal key with a plastic top. This plastic top houses the transponder, which will send an alert to your car whenever the key is close enough. This signal contains the digital serial number which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals are compatible then you'll be able to operate your car. This is the most effective security system a car manufacturer can implement as it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone with a valid key.
There are a variety of types of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some are equipped with the traditional transponder chip which is contained in the head of the key. Others have a remote key fob which includes the key transponder. Key fobs often have buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you obtain an updated transponder key to your car, and can program it for you, if necessary. The process is generally straightforward and only requires a few steps. The first step is that the new key has to be cut using the standard metal key cutter, which can usually be done at any automotive retailer. Then, the transponder keys will need to be programmed for your particular vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The programming process usually takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have a remote keyless system that requires a fob. The fob transmits the vehicle a signal to open the doors or start the motor. It can also open the trunk, if it is equipped.
It's important to remember that a car key fob isn't like the traditional metal key you've got on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. That's why you should never attempt to cut your fob yourself. It's always best to bring your fob to a professional for cutting and programming.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some have a key that folds inside, like a switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and compact when not in use. You can also find fobs that appear more like the regular key, but without the foldable key.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob if you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Usually, cutting car key will only provide a fob that is compatible with your specific model. This is because the dealer has the technological expertise to make sure the replacement fob works with your car's security system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining an entirely new key fob is relatively simple when you have the right details. First, you have to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. Also, you must have a spare key with you to take along.
Get the necessary equipment Before you attempt to program your keyfob, go through the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer to ensure you have the correct tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a specific mode that may require switching the ignition on and off at a specific number of times, pressing certain buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers may even signal the entry into programming mode by making a sound or flashing lights.
Once you've collected the necessary items, you can take your key fob into 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 the lower cost than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer, so you won't need to rush to have your key fob programmed and cut.