Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than cutting a piece of metal. It's an art that ensures 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 appropriate key cutting method for your model and make. The process of cutting keys takes just a few minutes and is much less expensive than purchasing the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car keys. They are made up of grooves and ridges carved into them that line up with the pin settings in the lock that allows you to unlock it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at many hardware stores, however an experienced locksmith with the right tools will usually have better success making copies that are more durable and work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also capable of making laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they have grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to make copies and, if someone attempts to grind the key, they will likely leave behind a large amount of metal pieces that will not fit in the lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented as an additional layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip in their head that transmits information to your car to ensure it's genuine keys. If the chip on the car's key isn't matched, your car will not start. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require a professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the most recent technology in car keys. These are a combination of traditional mechanical keys and remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your vehicle by using the key. It also allows you to do so from the distance. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best place to get a new mechanical key to replace damaged or lost keys. Most hardware stores do not have the necessary equipment or highly-trained professionals to create a key that works well inside your vehicle. It is much safer to leave the creation of your key to a professional and you'll likely save money over the long term by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys can be more expensive than standard blanks, but they offer an extra layer of security to your vehicle. They are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be put into the lock on either side and still function. They also have a different design and are more difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to distinguish a key made of lasers from bladed keys with traditional design by the wider shank with smaller grooves that have been carved. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car since the key is harder to turn. These 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 it's the correct key, and can be started. If a criminal manages to get their hands on an unauthorised copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and will not start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury cars since the 1990s. They cost more to produce than standard keys and require special equipment, but they do add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace it quickly and easily at a reasonable cost if you lose it.
Depending on the car you drive, you may need to include a transponder chip into the key to allow it to work. This isn't something you can do on your own, and most car dealerships will charge you an arm and a leg to complete the task for you. A reputable locksmith will be able to program your transponder for you, although they may not have the same level of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
The majority of modern cars have laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips, which provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system, allowing it to confirm that the key is legitimate before allowing the engine to start. Even if a thief is able to steal and duplicate the key, they will not be able to start the car because the engine will not start if the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in nearly all vehicles built within the last 20 years. These are radio transmitters that can prevent your car from starting without the correct key in place. This was a significant breakthrough in the fight against car theft as thieves had developed many ways to start cars using brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch with flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip was the answer to all of this, because it only allowed the car to turn on for a short amount of time and also registered that there was a key inside.
A normal transponder will appear like a key made of metal with the top made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder which will send a message to your car once the key is close to. The signal is the digital serial number that matches the original transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible then you'll be capable of operating your car. This is the best anti-theft technology the car manufacturer can employ since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without a valid key.
There are a variety of types of transponder keys which can be used in your vehicle, depending on the model. Certain keys come with a transponder chip inside the head. Some have an accessory fob that houses the key transponder. The key fobs will often have buttons on them which allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle or set the alarm and many other functions.
A locksmith can help you acquire an additional transponder key for your car, and can program it for you, if needed. This process is usually fairly simple and involves a few steps. The first step is that the new key has to be cut using a regular metal key cutter , which is usually be done at any automotive retailer. Click Link that are blank will then need to be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process is usually very quick and only takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have an electronic keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob is used to send the vehicle a signal to unlock the doors, or start the motor. If equipped, it can also open the boot.
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 an intricate piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt cutting your own fob. It's always best to bring your fob to a professional for cutting and programming.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some feature keys that fold inside it, similar to the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be hidden away when it's not being used. You can also find fobs that appear more like a regular key, without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob, it can be a real hassle to find an alternative. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, dealers can only provide a fob that works with your specific model. The dealer has the expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining an entirely new key fob is fairly easy if you have the right information. First, you have to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. You should also have a working spare key with you to take along.
Gather the necessary tools: Before trying to program your key fob, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that you have all the required tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a specific mode that might involve turning the ignition off and on a certain number of times, pressing specific 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 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 a lower price 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.