Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting car keys requires more than just bending a piece metal. It's a skill that provides security, convenience and peace of mind to vehicle owners.
Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting method for your vehicle's make and model. The key cutting process takes only about a minute and is cheaper than buying a new car key at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car key. They have a pattern of grooves and ridges cut into them that line up with the pins in the lock that allows you to unlock it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at many hardware stores, however a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will typically have better success making copies that are more durable and work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also capable of creating laser cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it harder to make a copy and, if someone attempts to grind the key, they'll likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces that won't fit into your lock.
In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed as an additional layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip in their head that communicates to your car so it knows it's genuine keys. If the chip in the car's key isn't matched, your vehicle will not start. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the latest evolution in car keys. They are a combination of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. This lets you unlock and start your vehicle with the key, and allows you to do this from a distance. A mobile auto locksmith can make smart keys for your car within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
key cutting car may think that they can find a replacement for their damaged or lost mechanical key from hardware stores, but this is not a safe practice. The majority of 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 safer to leave the creation of your key to a professional and you will most likely save money over the long term by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to make than standard keys, but offer an additional layer of security for your vehicle. They are cut from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be inserted into the lock from either side and still function. They have a distinctive design and are more difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to discern a laser-cut key from bladed keys with traditional design by the larger shank, which has fewer carved grooves. This means the key is more difficult to turn than a standard key which makes it harder for thieves to gain entry into your car without a lot of time and effort. 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 transmits a signal to the car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This lets the car know that it's the correct key and can be started. If a burglar is able to get their hands on an unauthorised key, the vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are currently used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require special equipment to make them, but they offer an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours an experienced locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and easily for reasonable cost.
Depending on your car it may be necessary to include a transponder chip into the ignition to get it working. This isn't something that you can do on your own and most dealerships will charge you an expense of a few hundred dollars to perform the program for you. A good locksmith will be able programme your transponder, but they might not have the same expertise as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are included in the keys of many newer cars to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with your car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the key before beginning the engine. Even if a thief is capable of stealing and copying the key, they will not be able to start the car since the engine will not start in the event that the code isn't valid.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in almost all cars built in the past 20 years. They are basically radio transmitters that will keep your car from starting without the correct key in place. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft since thieves had devised a variety of ways to start cars using brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch with flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve all of this because it would only allow the car to start for a short time, but also verify that there was a genuine key in the ignition.
A regular transponder will look like a key made of metal with a top made of plastic. This plastic top houses the transponder that will send an alert to your car when the key is close enough. This signal contains an electronic serial number that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals match, you will be capable of operating your car. This is one of the most effective forms of anti-theft technology that manufacturers of cars have implemented since it has made car theft nearly impossible for those who do not possess a valid key.
There are several types of transponder keys which can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Some have the traditional transponder chip which is located inside the head of the key. Some include a remote fob that contains the transponder of the key. The key fobs will often have buttons on them which allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle or set the alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get you a new transponder to your vehicle and will programme it if required. This procedure is usually straightforward and only involves the following steps. The first step is that the new key has to be cut with a regular metal key cutter, which can be done at any automotive store. Then, the transponder keys will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The process of programming is generally fast and takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars use the remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The key fob sends the vehicle a signal to open the doors or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if it is equipped.
It's important to note that the car key fob isn't like the typical metal key you've got on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that must be correctly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. You should never try to cut your key fob yourself. It is always recommended to take your fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have an internal key that folds into it, much like the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be hidden away when not being used. You can also find fobs that appear more like an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob, it can be a huge trouble to obtain a replacement. It could require specialized tools or a visit to the dealer. Dealers typically only offer an item that is compatible with the model you have. This is because the dealer has the technological know-how to ensure that the replacement fob works with your car's security system.
The process of obtaining an alternative key fob could be quite simple if have the correct information. You will be required to know the car's year, make, and model. Take an extra key that works.
Get the tools you need: Prior to attempting to program your key fob, consult the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure that you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You will need to enter a special mode that could involve switching the ignition off and on a certain number of times, triggering certain buttons or the combination of both. Certain manufacturers may also signal entry into programming mode with a sound or flashing lights.
After you've gathered all the necessary materials, you can bring your key fob to the closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can save your time and money since we cut your key fobs at cheaper than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer and you won't have hurry in order to have your key fob programmed and cut.