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 a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the correct key cutting procedure for your particular model and make. The key-cutting process takes just a few minutes and is much less costly than buying a new car key purchased from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car keys. They have a pattern of ridges and grooves cut into them that align with the pin settings in the lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at the majority of hardware stores, but a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will generally be more successful in making copies that are more durable and can work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also make laser-cut keys. These are more secure than a traditional mechanical key due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to copy the key and, if someone uses a grinder to try to duplicate the key they'll likely end up leaving the metal pieces that will not fit in the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an extra layer of security. They have an embedded chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to let it know it is genuine. If the chip inside the key of your car is not properly matched, the vehicle will not start. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the most recent evolution in car keys. These are a combination between the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can unlock and start your car with this key and operate it via remote. A professional auto locksmith on the move can create smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in a matter of minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Many people may think that they can get an alternative for their lost or damaged mechanical key at a hardware store however this isn't a good idea. The majority of chains don't have the proper equipment or highly trained professionals to be able to create a quality key that can be used in your vehicle. It is much safer to leave the design of your key to a professional, and you'll save money in the long run by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to produce than standard keys, but they provide a higher level of security for your vehicle. Lasers are used to cut them from the middle, permitting them to be put into the lock on either end and still work. They have a unique pattern that is more difficult to duplicate.
You can discern a laser-cut key from traditional bladed keys due to the larger shank, which has less grooves carved. This means the key is more difficult to turn than the standard key which makes it harder for thieves to open your car without much time and effort. These keys are also less likely to get stuck in the lock because they have a more precise cut.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock it transmits a signal to the car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the right key and allows it to start. If a burglar does manage to get their hands on an unauthorised copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not register it and not start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced 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 do add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose one, an experienced locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and easily for a reasonable price.
You might need to have the transponder chip programmed into your key depending on the car you own. This isn't something you can do by yourself, and most car dealerships will charge an arm and a leg to complete the task for you. A reliable locksmith will be able to program your transponder for you, although they may not have the same amount of experience 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 car's specific ignition system and allow it to check that the key is authentic before allowing the engine to start. Even if a thief succeeds in stealing the key and duplicate it however, they will not be capable of using it to start your car since the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Almost any car built in the last 20 years or that's why it has an embedded transponder chip within it. These are radio transmitters which make sure your car isn't started without the correct keys. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft, since thieves had devised a variety of ways to start cars by brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using screwdrivers with flat blades) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip was a solution to all of this, because it only allowed the car to turn on for a brief period of time, and also confirmed that there was a key inside.
A normal transponder will appear like a metal key with a top made of plastic. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder that will transmit a signal to your car when the key is close to. This signal contains a digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible the transponder, you'll be capable of operating your car. This is the best anti-theft technology the car manufacturer can employ as it makes car theft impossible for anyone with a valid key.
There are a variety of kinds of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, based on the model. Some keys have an embedded transponder in the head. Some have a remote key fob that has the key transponder. Key fobs typically include buttons that permit you to lock and unlock your car or set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help get you a new transponder for your vehicle and can even program it if needed. This process is usually simple and involves only a few simple steps. The new key must be cut using a key cutter. This can be accomplished at any auto shop. The transponder keys that are blank will then need to be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming typically takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have the remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob transmits the vehicle a signal to unlock the doors, or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if equipped.
It's important to note that the car key fob is not like the traditional key you might have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your own fob. It is always recommended to bring your key fob to a professional for cutting and programming.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have an open key that folds inside, like the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be hidden away when it's not being used. There are also fobs that look more like a regular key, without the foldable key.
If you lost your key fob, it can be a real hassle to find replacement. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers can often only provide the key fob that is compatible with your car. The dealer has the expertise to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
Fortunately car key cutting cost of obtaining the new key fob you want is fairly easy if you have the correct information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. Also, you must have a spare key to bring along.
Gather the Necessary Equipment Before you attempt to program your keyfob check the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the correct tools and equipment. You will need to enter a particular mode that may require switching the ignition on and off at a specific number of times, triggering certain buttons or a combination of both. Some manufacturers may even use a flashing light or a sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be programmed and cut. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs for an affordable cost than the dealership. In addition, we are open longer than the dealership so you don't have to rush off to cut your key fob and programmed.