Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting requires more than just bent metal. It's a technique that provides security and convenience as well as peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting method for your car's brand and model. The process of cutting keys takes only a few minutes and is less expensive than buying a new car key purchased from a dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest kind of car keys and date back to the beginning of automotive locks. These keys have a pattern of grooves and ridges carved into them that line up with the pins in the lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied from the majority of hardware stores, but a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will typically be more successful in making copies that are more durable and can work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also be capable of creating laser cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys because they have grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to duplicate and, if someone attempts to use a grinder on the key, they'll likely leave behind a large amount of metal pieces that will not fit in the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an extra layer of security. These keys contain a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your car to inform it that it is genuine. If cheap key cutting in your key isn't matched to your car, it will not start and will remain unresponsive. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the most recent technology in car keys. They're a mix of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can open and start your vehicle with this key, and do it by remote. A mobile auto locksmith can make smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best option to purchase an alternative mechanical key for a lost or damaged one. The majority of chains don't have the proper equipment or highly skilled experts to be able to create an excellent key that can be used in your vehicle. You'll save money as well as be more secure if you delegate the making of the key to an expert.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys may be more expensive than standard blanks, but they offer an extra security layer to your vehicle. Lasers are used to carve them from the middle, permitting them to be put into the lock on either end and still work. They have a unique design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and less grooves will allow you to discern a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car since the key is harder to turn. Keys with this design are less likely to get caught in the lock, as they have a more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut key into your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This informs the car that it's the correct key and can be started. If a burglar manages to get their hands onto an unauthorized key, the vehicle's transmitter will not register it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s, and are currently used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment keys, but they do provide an extra layer security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and efficiently at a reasonable cost if you lose it.
Depending on the car you drive depending on the model, you might need to include a transponder chip into the ignition to get it to work. This isn't something that you can do on your own, and most car dealers will charge an expense of a few hundred dollars to complete the task for you. A reputable locksmith should be able to program your transponder for you even though they may not have the same level of expertise as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of most newer cars to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system and allow it to verify that the key is authentic before starting the engine. Even if the person who stole it is capable of stealing and copying the key, they will not be able use it to start the car since the engine won't be able to start when the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in nearly all vehicles built within the last 20 years. These are radio transmitters that make sure your car isn't started without the correct keys. This was a significant breakthrough in the fight against car theft as thieves had developed many ways to start cars by brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch with flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip was able to solve all of this because it only allowed the car to turn on for a brief period of time, but also verify that there was a valid key in the ignition.
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 a message to your car once the key is within close proximity. This signal has an electronic serial number 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 the most effective security system the car manufacturer can employ since it makes car theft impossible for anyone who does not have an official key.
Based on the model, there are different kinds of transponder keys that can be used. Some have the traditional transponder chip which is contained inside the head of the key. Others have an electronic key fob which includes the key transponder. Key fobs typically feature buttons that can lock/unlock your car, set the alarm, and other functions.
A locksmith can help you get you a new transponder for your vehicle and can even programme it if required. This process is usually simple and requires only just a few steps. The new key must be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be done at any auto shop. Then, the blank transponder keys will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The process of programming is generally extremely quick and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have an electronic keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob transmits the vehicle a signal to open the doors or start the motor. It can also open the trunk, if it is equipped.
It is important to keep in mind that a car key fob isn't like the typical metal key you might have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that needs to be properly programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. This is why you shouldn't attempt cutting your own fob. It's always best to take your fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some come with a key that can be folded inside, similar to a switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be tucked away when not being used. You can also find fobs that resemble an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob when you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers typically only offer the key fob that is compatible with the model you have. This is because the dealer has the technology experience to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
The process of obtaining the replacement key fob you need can be fairly simple if you have the correct details. You will have to know your car's year, make and model. Bring an extra key that works.
Gather the Necessary Equipment Before you attempt to program your keyfob review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the right tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a specific mode that might involve switching the ignition off and on a certain number of times, pressing specific buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers will even signal the entry into programming mode by making a sound or flashing lights.
You can take your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be programmed and cut. We'll save you time and money because we cut your key fobs at cheaper than the dealership. We are open later than the dealership and you won't have to rush to work in order to have your key fob programmed and cut.