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, convenience and peace of mind to vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting method for your model and make. The process of cutting keys takes just few minutes and is much less expensive than purchasing a new car key at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the simplest kind of car key. They have a pattern of grooves and ridges carved into them that line up with the pins in the lock to open it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at the majority of hardware stores, but an experienced locksmith with the right tools will typically be more successful in making copies that are more durable and work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can make laser-cut keys. They are more secure than a standard mechanical key due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it harder 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 tiny chip in their head that communicates to your car, so it can verify that it's genuine keys. If the chip inside your key is not matched to your car, it will not start and will remain immobilised. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the most recent development in car keys. These are a combination between a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your vehicle with the key, and lets you do it from a distance. A mobile professional auto locksmith can make smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in just a few minutes using the latest technology.
Hardware stores are not the best place to get a new mechanical key to replace a lost or damaged one. The majority of chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled experts to make an excellent key that can be used in your vehicle. You will save money and be more secure if you delegate the creation of the key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to produce than standard key blanks but offer an additional layer of security for your vehicle. They are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be put into the lock on either side, and work. They also have a different design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The longer shank that is thicker and has less grooves will allow you to discern a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes the key harder to turn than the standard key, making it more difficult for thieves to open your car without much time and effort. Keys with this design are less likely to be caught in the lock, because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut keys in your lock, a unique signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This signals the car that it is the right key and can be started. If a burglar does manage to steal an unauthorised copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and not start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They cost more to make than regular keys and require specialized equipment, but they add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours, an experienced locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and at a reasonable price.
Depending on your car depending on the model, you might need to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to allow it to work. It's not something you can do yourself, and dealers charge a lot for it. A reliable locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder on your behalf, although they may not have the same level of expertise as your local dealer.
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, allowing it to confirm that the key is genuine before starting the engine. Even if someone succeeds in stealing the key and replicate it but isn't in a position to start your car as the engine won't start if it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in nearly all vehicles built in the past 20 years. These are radio transmitters that stop your car from being started without the correct keys. This was a significant breakthrough in the fight against car theft since thieves had devised a variety of 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 since it allowed the car to be turned on for a brief period of time and also registered that there was a key inside.
A normal transponder key will appear like a standard metal key with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the actual transponder that will transmit a signal to your car when the key is within close proximity. This signal has the digital serial number that matches the transponder in your car. If mobile car key cutting match your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is the best anti-theft technology an automaker can put in place because it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without an authentic key.
There are a few different types of transponder keys which can be utilized in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some of them have a traditional transponder chip that is located inside the head of the key. Some also have a remote fob that contains the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs typically feature buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your vehicle or set the alarm and other functions.
A locksmith can assist you acquire an additional transponder key for your car, and can program it for you, should you require it. This process is usually fairly easy and requires only several steps. First, the new key will need to be cut using a regular metal key cutter, which is usually be done in any automotive store. The transponder keys that are blank will then need to be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process is usually fast and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have the remote keyless system which requires a fob. The key fob transmits an electronic signal to the vehicle to open doors or start the engine. If it's equipped, it can also open the boot.
Keep in mind that a car fob is different from the standard metal keys that you might have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be correctly programmed to work with your specific vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your own fob. It is recommended to leave the cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to professionals.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside, much like a switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be tucked away when it's not being used. You can find fobs without the foldable feature, that appear like regular-sized keys.
It may be difficult to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers usually only offer an item that is compatible with your car. The dealer has the technical expertise to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining a new key fob is fairly simple if you have the right information. First, you have to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. Bring with you a spare key that is functional.
Gather Necessary Tools: Before beginning to program your key fob, make sure you read the manual of the manufacturer to ensure that you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You'll be required to enter a particular mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition at a specific number of times or a combination. Some manufacturers may even employ a flashing light or a sound to signal the switch to programming mode.
Once you've gathered the required materials, you can bring your key fob into your closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money as we cut your key fobs for less than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open later than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to cut your key fob and programmed.