Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting involves more than just 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 by using the proper key cutting procedure for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting key s is a matter of minutes and is cheaper than a replacement car key purchased from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic kind of car keys and dates back to the beginning of automobile locks. They have patterns that match the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. The majority of hardware stores can duplicate mechanical keys, but locksmiths with the right tools can make copies that are more durable and work inside your car.
A professional locksmith will also be capable of creating laser cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to copy the key and if someone uses grinders to try to do so they'll likely end up leaving some metal pieces that won't fit in your lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented to add another layer of security. These keys contain a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your car to let it know it is legitimate. If the chip in your key isn't matched to your vehicle it will not begin and will remain immobilised. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than a mechanical one and require expert programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the newest advancement in car keys. They're the result of combining a traditional mechanical key and remote control. You can open and start your car using this key and do so via remote. A mobile professional auto locksmith can make replacement smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Many people think they can get a replacement for their damaged or lost mechanical key at hardware stores but this is not an appropriate method. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled experts to be able to create a quality key that works in your vehicle. It is much safer to hand over the making of your key to a professional, and you will most likely save money over the long term by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive than standard blanks, however, they provide an extra layer of security to your vehicle. They are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be placed in the lock on either side and still function. They also have a distinct pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and fewer grooves will help you identify a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This means the key is harder to turn than the standard key, making it more difficult for thieves to open your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. Keys with this design are also less likely to become stuck in locks because they are more precise cut.
When you insert the laser-cut keys inside your lock, a unique signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This informs the car that it's the right key and can be started. If a burglar gets their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle transmitter will not register it. It will be unable to start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment, but they provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours a professional locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and easily for reasonable cost.
Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to get it working. You can't do this yourself, and dealers charge a lot to do it. A reliable locksmith should be able to program your transponder for you even though they may not have the same level of expertise as your local dealer.
The majority of modern cars have laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips, which provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system and permit it to verify that the key is genuine before allowing the engine to start. Even if a thief is capable of stealing and copying the key, they won't be able use it to start the car since the engine won't start when the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Almost any car built in the past 20 years or therefore will have a transponder chip inside of it. These are radio transmitters that make sure your car isn't started without the correct keys. This was a major innovation in the fight against auto theft as thieves had found a lot of methods to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch using the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve all of that as it could only allow the car to be turned on for a short time, while also registering that there was a valid key in the ignition.
A standard transponder can look like a metal key with a top made of plastic. This plastic top contains the actual transponder, which will send a signal to your car whenever the key is close to. The signal is comprised of the digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder that is inside your car. If the signals are compatible then you'll be capable of operating your car. This is among the most effective methods of anti-theft technologies that manufacturers of cars have implemented as it has made car theft almost impossible for those who do not have a valid keys.
Depending on the model, there are several different types of transponder key that are available. Some have the traditional transponder chip which is located inside the head of the key. Others come with a remote key fob that has the transponder for the key. Key fobs usually include buttons that can lock/unlock your vehicle and set the alarm and many other functions.
A locksmith can assist you get an updated transponder key to your car and can even program it for you, should you require it. This process is usually simple and involves only a few simple steps. First, the new key has to be cut using an ordinary metal key cutter, which can be done at any automotive store. Then, the blank transponder key must be programmed to your specific vehicle by an experienced auto locksmith. The process of programming is typically very quick and only takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have an electronic remote keyless system that requires a fob. The key fob transmits an electronic signal to the vehicle to unlock doors and start the engine. It can also open the trunk, if equipped.
It's important to note that the car key fob is not like the traditional key that you may have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt cutting your own fob. It is recommended to leave the cutting and programming of your key fobs to experts.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some have an open key that folds inside, like a switchblade. This lets the fob be smaller and tucked away when not in use. You can also find fobs that look more like the regular key, but without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob it can be a huge hassle to find an alternative. It may require special tools or a trip to a dealer. Dealers typically only offer an item that is compatible with your model. This is because the dealer has the technological know-how to ensure that the replacement fob works with the security system of your vehicle.
The process of obtaining an alternative key fob could be fairly simple if you have the correct details. You will be required to know the car's year, make, and model. Bring with you a spare key that is functional.
Gather the Necessary Equipment Before you attempt 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 be required to enter a specific mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition at a specific number of times or some combination of these. Certain manufacturers may also signal the switch to programming mode by sound or flashing light.
You can bring your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it programmed and cut. We can save you time and money as we cut your key fobs at cheaper than the dealership. We are open later than the dealership so you don't have hurry to have your key fob programmed and cut.