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 technique that provides security, convenience, and peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting technique for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys is a matter of minutes and is cheaper than a replacement car key purchased from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic type of car key and go back to the beginning of automotive locks. They are made with a pattern that matches the pin settings of a lock to open it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at the majority of hardware stores, but a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will generally have better success 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 traditional mechanical key due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to duplicate the key and if someone is using a grinder to try to copy it they'll likely leave the metal pieces that won't fit in your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an additional layer of security. These keys contain a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your car to inform it that it is authentic. If the chip inside your key is not matched to your vehicle it will not be able to start and will remain immobilised. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the most recent evolution in car keys. These are a combination of the traditional mechanical key and remote control. You can unlock and start your car using this key, and do it remotely. A mobile professional auto locksmith can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best place to get an alternative mechanical key for the one that has been damaged or lost. The majority of hardware stores do not have the necessary equipment or highly-trained experts to create an effective key that will work inside your vehicle. 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 cost more to make than standard keys, but provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. They are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be inserted in the lock on either side and still work. They feature a distinct design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and fewer grooves will help you identify a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This makes the key harder to turn than a standard key and makes it more difficult for thieves to open your car without much time and effort. The keys are less likely to get trapped in locks, because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock it sends a signal to the car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the correct key and allows it to start. If a burglar manages to get their hands on an unauthorised key, the vehicle's transmitter will not register it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced in the 1990s, and are currently used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive to make than regular keys and require specialized equipment, but they add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and at a reasonable price if you lose it.
You might need to have the transponder chip programmed in your key depending on the vehicle you own. This isn't something that you can do by yourself and the majority of car dealers will charge an arm and a leg to complete the task for you. A good locksmith should be able to program your transponder for you even though they may not have the same degree of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of most newer vehicles to add an additional layer of security. These chips are synchronized with your car's ignition system, which allows it to verify the key prior to starting the motor. Even if someone is able to steal the key and duplicate it however, they will not be capable of using it to start your car as the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Almost any car built in the last 20 years or so will have an embedded transponder chip within it. These are essentially radio transmitters that will keep your car from starting without the correct key in place. This was a significant breakthrough in the fight against car theft, as thieves had come up with a variety of methods to start cars with brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip solved all of that as it could only allow the car to turn on for a brief period of time, but also verify that there was a genuine key in the ignition.
A standard transponder key will appear like a standard metal key, but with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the transponder, which will send the signal to your car whenever the key is near enough. This signal has a serial number digital that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible, you will be in a position to operate your vehicle. This is among the most effective methods of anti-theft technology that the car manufacturer has put in place since it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for those who do not have a valid keys.
Depending on the model, there are different kinds of transponder keys that are available. Some keys include a transponder chip inside the head. Some also have a remote fob that contains the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs usually have buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help get you a new transponder for your vehicle and will program it if needed. This process is usually fairly straightforward and only requires a few steps. The new key has to be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any automotive store. The transponder keys blanks will then need to be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process is usually extremely quick and takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars come with the remote keyless system which requires fob. key cutter for cars sends an alert from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. If it is equipped, it will also unlock the boot.
It's important to remember that a car key fob is not like the traditional metal key you've got on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that needs to be correctly programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. You should never try to cut your key fob yourself. It is best to leave the cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to experts.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside, like a switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be put away when it's not being used. You can also find fobs that resemble an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
It can be difficult to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Usually, the dealer will only provide a fob that works with your specific model. The dealer has the technical knowledge to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
The process of getting an alternative key fob could be relatively simple if you have the correct details. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your car. Also, you must have a spare key to bring along.
Get the tools you need: Prior to beginning to program your key fob, make sure you read the manual of the manufacturer to ensure you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You'll be required to enter a particular mode, which may require pressing certain buttons and turning the ignition off or on in a certain amount of times, or a combination. Some manufacturers may even use a flashing light or sound to signal the switch to programming mode.
After you've gathered all the necessary items, you can take your key fob to your closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs for the lower cost than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer so you don't have hurry in order to get your keyfob programmed and cut.