Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It's a skill that offers security and ease of mind to vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the appropriate key cutting technique for your make and model. The process of cutting keys is a matter of minutes and is much less costly than a replacement car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car key. They are made up of ridges and grooves cut into them that align with the pin settings of a specific lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied at most hardware stores, but an experienced locksmith with the right tools will usually be more successful in making copies that are more durable and can work in your vehicle.
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 duplicate the key and if someone is using a grinder to try to copy it they'll likely end up leaving behind metal scraps which won't fit in the lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented as an additional layer of security. They have a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your car to let it know it is legitimate. If the chip inside your car's key is not properly matched, the 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 newest advancement in car keys. They are the result of combining the traditional mechanical key and remote control. This lets you unlock and start your vehicle using the key, and allows you to do so from an extended distance. A professional auto locksmith on the move can make smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the latest technology.
Many people believe that they can get a replacement for their damaged or lost mechanical key from a hardware store however this isn't an appropriate method. Most hardware stores do not have the tools or highly-trained professionals to make a key that works well inside your vehicle. You'll save money as well as be more secure if you delegate the creation of the key to an expert.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys may be more expensive than standard blanks however, they provide an extra security layer to your vehicle. They are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be put in the lock on either side, and work. They also have a distinct pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and fewer grooves will help you discern a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car because the key is harder to turn. They are also less likely to become stuck in the lock since they are more precise cut.
When you insert the laser-cut keys in your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This lets the car know that it's the right key, and it can be started. If a burglar does manage to steal 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 vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require special equipment to make keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose one, an experienced locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and efficiently for a reasonable price.
You might need to have the transponder chip programmed into your key depending on the vehicle you own. This isn't something that you can do by yourself and the majority of car dealerships will charge an expense of a few hundred dollars to do it for you. A reliable locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder on your behalf even though they may not have the same amount of experience as your local dealer.
The majority of newer vehicles come with laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips, which provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system and allow it to check that the key is genuine before allowing the engine to start. Even if the thief is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they will not be able use it to start the car as the engine will not start in the event that the code isn't valid.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in the majority of cars manufactured within the last 20 years. 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 as thieves had developed many methods to start cars with 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, as it only allowed the car to turn on for a brief period of time and also registered that there was a key in place.
A regular transponder will look like a key made of metal with a top made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder, which will send an alert to your car whenever the key is near enough. This signal contains a serial number digital which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals match, your car will allow you to operate it. This is one of the best forms of anti-theft technologies that a car manufacturer has implemented since it has made car theft almost impossible for those who do not have a valid keys.
Based on the model, there are several different types of transponder key that are available. Some are equipped with an old-fashioned transponder chip that is contained in the head of the key. Some include an accessory fob that houses the key transponder. g28carkeys fobs often have buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get an updated transponder key to your car, and can program it for you, if necessary. The process is typically simple and involves only the following steps. The new key must be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any car dealership. The transponder keys blanks will then have to be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process is usually very quick and only takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars come with an electronic remote keyless system that requires fob. The key fob sends a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. If it's equipped, it can also open the boot.
It's important to note that a 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 needs to be correctly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your own fob. It is always recommended to take your fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside, similar to an ad-hoc switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and to be stored away when not being used. You can find fobs without the foldable feature, which look like normal-sized keys.
It can be difficult to replace your key fob when you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, dealers can only offer a fob compatible with the specific model of your car. This is because the dealer has the technological expertise to make sure the replacement fob is compatible with the security system of your vehicle.
The process of finding the replacement key fob you need can be fairly simple if you have the correct information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Take along a spare key that works.
Make sure you have the required 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 have to enter a special mode that might involve turning the ignition off and on at a specific number of times, pressing specific buttons or a combination of both. Some manufacturers may even signal the switch to programming mode with a sound or light flash.
After you've gathered all the necessary materials, you can bring your key fob into your nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs for the lower cost than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer, so you won't need to rush to get your keyfob programmed and cut.