Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting involves more than simply bent metal. It's an art form that guarantees security and ease of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting procedure for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys takes a matter of minutes and is cheaper than purchasing a new car key purchased from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic form of car key and date back to the early days of automotive locks. These keys have a pattern of grooves and ridges cut into them that align with the pin settings of a specific lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied at the majority of hardware stores, but a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will usually be more successful in making copies that are more durable and can work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also capable of making laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys because they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it harder to duplicate the key and if someone uses a grinder to attempt to copy it they'll likely end up leaving behind metal scraps which will not fit into your lock.
In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed as an additional layer of security. These keys have a small chip in the head that communicates with your car so it knows it's authentic keys. If the chip inside your key isn't matched to your car, it will not start and will remain immobilised. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the latest advancement in car keys. These are the result of combining a traditional mechanical key and remote control. You can unlock and start your vehicle with this key and operate it by remote. A professional auto locksmith on the move can make replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes using the most advanced technology.
Many people believe that they can get an alternative for their lost or damaged mechanical key at the hardware store but this is not a safe practice. Most hardware stores do not have the necessary equipment or highly-trained professionals to create a key that works well in your car. 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 costly to produce than standard keys, but they provide a higher level of security for your car. Lasers are used to carve them from the middle, allowing them to be inserted into the lock on either side and still function. They feature a distinct pattern that is more difficult to duplicate.
You can discern a laser-cut key from traditional bladed keys by the thicker shank that has less grooves carved. This means the key is harder to turn than an ordinary key and makes it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your car without much time and effort. Keys with this design are also less likely to become stuck in locks because they have a more precise cut.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock, it sends a signal to your car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This lets the car know it's the correct key, and it can be used to start. If a criminal is able to get their hands on an unauthorised key, the vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s, and are currently used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require special equipment to make keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace it quickly and at a reasonable price if you lose it.
It is possible that you will need the transponder chip programmed into your key depending on the vehicle you own. You can't do this yourself, and car dealerships charge a lot for it. A reputable locksmith can program your transponder, but they might not have as much expertise as your local dealer.
The majority of newer vehicles come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips, which provide an additional layer of security. These chips are synchronized with your ignition system, allowing it to verify the Key Car Cutting prior to making the motor start. Even if someone is able to steal the key and replicate it however, they will not be able to use it to start your car as the engine will refuse to start if it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in nearly all vehicles built within the last 20 years. These are essentially radio transmitters that can stop your car from starting if you don't have the proper key in place. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft since thieves had devised a variety of methods to start cars with brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch with flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved the problem since it could only allow the car to be turned on 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 an outer cover made of plastic. This plastic top houses the actual transponder that will send a signal to your car whenever the key is near enough. This signal contains a digital serial number that matches the original transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible, your car will allow you to operate it. This is among the best forms of anti-theft technologies that the car manufacturer has put in place as it has made car theft almost impossible for anyone who doesn't have a valid key.
There are a variety of types of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some keys have a transponder chip in the head. Some also have a remote fob which houses the transponder of the key. Key fobs typically feature buttons that can lock/unlock your car, set the alarm, and other functions.
A locksmith can assist you acquire an additional transponder key for your vehicle and even program it for you, if needed. The process is generally easy and requires only several steps. The new key must be cut using a key cutter. This can be done at any car dealership. The blank transponder keys will then have to be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming typically takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have 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.
Keep in mind that the car fob differs from the standard metal keys you may have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob yourself. It is always advisable to bring your fob to an expert to cut and program it.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some feature an internal sidewinder key cutting that folds into it, similar to the switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be tucked away when not in use. There are fobs without the foldable feature, that look like a regular-sized key.
It can be difficult to replace your emergency key cutting fob when you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to a dealer. Dealers usually only offer the key fob that is compatible with your model. This is because the dealer has the technological expertise to make sure the replacement fob works with your car's security system.
Fortunately, the process of getting an entirely new key fob is fairly simple if you have the right information. You will have to know your car's year of manufacture, year of manufacture, and model. Take along a spare key that works.
Make sure you have the required equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob, review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the correct tools and equipment. You will need to enter a specific mode that might involve switching the ignition on and off a certain number of times, pressing certain buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers will even signal the switch to programming mode with a sound or flashing lights.
You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it programmed and cut. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs at an affordable cost to get car key cut than the dealership. We are open earlier than the dealer, so you won't need to rush to get your keyfob programed and cut.