Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting involves more than simply bending a piece metal. It's a technique that provides security and ease of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the appropriate key cutting technique for your particular model and make. The process of cutting keys takes just about a minute and is much less expensive than purchasing new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car key. These keys have patterns that match the pins of the lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied from the majority of hardware stores, but an experienced locksmith with the right tools will generally have better success making copies that are more durable and will work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also capable of creating laser cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys because they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to duplicate the key, and if someone is using grinders to try to copy it they'll likely leave some metal pieces that will not fit into your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an additional layer of security. They have a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it is genuine. If the chip inside the car's key isn't properly matched, the car won't start. These keys are more expensive than a mechanical one and require professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the latest advancement in car keys. They're an amalgamation of the traditional mechanical key and remote control. You can open and start your car with this key and do so remotely. A mobile auto locksmith can make smart keys for your car in minutes using the latest technology.
Many people believe that they can get an alternative for a damaged or lost mechanical key from the hardware store, but this is not a good idea. Most hardware stores do not have the necessary equipment or highly-trained experts to create an effective key that will work in your car. It is much safer to leave the creation of your key to a professional, and you'll save money over the long term by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive than standard blanks however they add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. They are carved from the middle using a laser which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either side and still work. They have a unique pattern and are more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and less grooves will allow you to discern a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car since the key is more difficult to turn. mobile car key cutting are less likely to get stuck in the lock because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut key inside your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the car's receiver. This signals the car that it's the correct key and can be started. If a criminal gets their hands on an unauthorised key, the vehicle transmitter will not recognize it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s and are used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require special equipment to create, but they provide an extra layer security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and easily at a reasonable price if you lose it.
It is possible that you will need the transponder chip installed in your key based on the vehicle you own. This isn't something that you can do by yourself, and most car dealers will charge an arm and a leg to perform the program for you. A reputable locksmith should be able to program your transponder for you, although they may not have the same degree of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
The majority of newer vehicles come with keys laser-cut that have transponder chips to add an extra layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system, allowing it to verify that the key is authentic before allowing the engine to start. Even if a burglar is able to steal the key and replicate it however, they will not be in a position to start your car since the engine will refuse to start if it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Nearly every car manufactured in the last 20 years or that's why it has a transponder chip inside of it. They are basically radio transmitters that will keep your car from starting without the correct key installed. This was a major advancement 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 completely). The transponder chip was the solution to all of this because it only allowed the car to be turned on for a brief period of time. It also verified that there was a key inside.
A normal transponder keys will look like a normal metal key with a transparent top. This plastic top houses the transponder, which will send a signal to your car when the key is close enough. The signal is the digital serial number which is matched to the transponder 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 since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone with an official key.
Depending on the model, there are different types of transponder key that can be used. Certain keys come with a transponder chip inside the head. Others come with remote keys that has the transponder for the key. Key fobs usually feature buttons which allow you to lock and unlock your car, set the alarm, and many other functions.
A locksmith can help get you a new transponder to your vehicle and will program it if you need to. This process is usually simple and only involves just a few steps. The new key has to be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be done at any auto shop. The blank transponder keys will then have to be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process usually takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have the remote keyless system which requires a fob. The key fob transmits an electronic signal to the vehicle to open doors or start the engine. It can also open the trunk, if equipped.
Remember that mobile car key cutting differs from the traditional metal keys that you might have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your own fob. It is recommended to leave cutting and programming of your fobs to professionals.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with a key that can be folded inside, much like the switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and tucked away when not being used. There are fobs without the foldable feature, which look like normal-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. Dealers typically only offer a key fob that is compatible with your model. The dealer has the technical expertise to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
The process of finding a replacement key fob can be relatively simple if you have the correct details. To begin, you'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. You should also have a working spare key to bring along.
Get the tools you need: Prior to attempting to program your key fob, read the manual of the manufacturer to ensure you have all the required tools and equipment. You will need to enter a special mode that may require switching the ignition off and on for a certain amount of times, triggering certain buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers will even signal the switch to programming mode by making a sound or flashing lights.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs at a the lower cost than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open longer than the dealership so you don't need to rush off to get your key fob cut and programmed.