Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just creating a metal piece. It's a technique that provides security, convenience, and peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the correct key cutting technique for your particular model and make. The process of cutting keys takes a matter of minutes and is less expensive than a replacement car key purchased from a dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the simplest kind of car key. They are made with a pattern that matches the pin settings of a lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied at the majority of hardware stores, but a professional locksmith with the right tools will typically have better success making copies that are more durable and will work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also make keys that are laser-cut. These are more secure than traditional mechanical key since they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to make copies, and if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces that won't fit into the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an additional layer of security. These keys have a small chip in their head that communicates with your car so it knows it's genuine keys. If the chip inside your key is not matched to your car, it will not start and will remain unresponsive. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the latest evolution in car keys. These are a combination of the traditional mechanical key and remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your car with the key, and allows you to do this from an extended distance. A professional auto locksmith mobile can create smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the most advanced technology.
Many people believe that they can find a replacement for a damaged or lost mechanical key from the hardware store however this isn't a safe practice. The majority of hardware stores do not have the necessary equipment or highly-trained professionals to make an effective key that will work inside your vehicle. You'll save money as well as be safer if you leave the making of the key to professionals.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to produce than standard keys, but provide an additional layer of security for your car. They are cut from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be put into the lock on either side, and work. They have a distinctive pattern that is more difficult to duplicate.
The thicker shank with fewer grooves will help you discern a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes the key more difficult to turn than a standard key, making it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your car without a lot of time and effort. Keys with this design are less likely to get stuck in the lock since they have more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut keys inside your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This informs the car that it's the right key, and that it is able to be used to start. If a criminal manages to get their hands on an unauthorised copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not register it and 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 specialized equipment, but they do add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours, an experienced locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and efficiently for an affordable price.
Depending on the car you drive, you may need to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to allow it working. This isn't something you can do by yourself and the majority of car dealers will charge an arm and a leg to perform the program for you. A reliable locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder for you however they might not have the same level of expertise as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of many newer cars to provide an extra layer security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system and permit it to check that the key is genuine before you start the engine. Even if a thief is able to steal and duplicate the key, they won't be able use it to start the car since the engine will not start when the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in almost all cars built in the past 20 years. They are basically radio transmitters that can keep your car from starting without the correct key installed. 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 using screwdrivers with flat blades) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved all of this because it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short period of time, but also verify that there was a genuine key in the ignition.
A standard transponder keys will look like a normal metal key, but with a plastic top. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder that will send a signal to your car once the key is within close proximity. The signal is comprised of the digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals are compatible the transponder, you'll be capable of operating your car. This is the best anti-theft technology an automaker can put in place as it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone who does not have an authentic key.
There are a variety of types of transponder keys which can be used in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some are equipped with a traditional transponder chip that is located in the head of the key. Others come with an electronic key fob that has the transponder of the key. Key fobs often include buttons that permit you to lock or unlock your car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you acquire an additional transponder key for your vehicle and even program it for you, should you require it. This process is usually fairly straightforward and only requires several steps. First, the new key needs to be cut using an ordinary metal key cutter, which can usually be done at any auto retailer. The transponder keys blanks will then have to be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming is typically fast and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have the remote keyless system which requires fob. The key fob sends a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. If equipped, it can also open the boot.
Be aware that a car fob is different from the traditional metal keys you may have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to work with your specific vehicle. You should never try to cut your key fob by yourself. car key cutting cost is best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs to experts.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some come with an internal key that folds into it, much like the switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and compact when not being used. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature that look like normal-sized keys.
It can be difficult to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a visit to the dealer. Dealers typically only offer a key fob that is compatible with your car. The dealer has the technical expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining the new key fob you want is fairly easy if you have the right information. You'll need to know your car's year, make, and model. You should also have a working spare key with you to take along.
Gather the Necessary Equipment Before you attempt to program your keyfob go through the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the correct tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a particular mode that may require switching the ignition on and off for a certain amount of times, pressing specific buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers may even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the start of programming mode.
You can bring your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs for a much more reasonable price than the dealership. We are open later than the dealership, so you won't need hurry to get your keyfob programed and cut.