Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting keys for cars involves more than simply bent metal. It's an art form that guarantees security and ease of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting technique for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys takes just about a minute and is cheaper than buying the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car key. They have a pattern of ridges and grooves cut into them that align with the pins in a specific lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied at the majority of hardware stores, but an experienced locksmith with the right tools will usually have better success making copies that are more durable and work in 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 make use of a grinder to the key, they'll likely leave behind a large amount of metal pieces that won't fit into the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an additional layer of security. These keys contain an embedded chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it is authentic. If the chip inside your car's key is not properly matched, the car will not start. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the latest technology in car keys. These are the result of combining a traditional mechanical key and a remote control. You can open and start your car using this key and do so remotely. A mobile professional auto locksmith can create smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option to purchase a replacement mechanical key for damaged or lost keys. The majority of hardware stores don't have the equipment or highly-trained experts to create a key that works well inside your vehicle. It is much safer to leave the creation of your key to a professional, and you'll save money in the end by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys cost more to produce than standard key blanks 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 also have a unique pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to tell a laser-cut key apart from traditional bladed keys due to the thicker shank that has smaller grooves that have been carved. This means the key is harder to turn than the standard key and makes 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 be caught in the lock, since they have more precise cutting.
When you insert a laser-cut keys 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 can be started. If a burglar does manage to get their hands on an unauthorised copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and will not start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They cost more to produce than standard key blanks and require specialized equipment, but they do add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours an experienced locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and efficiently for a reasonable price.
Depending on the car you drive, you may need to include a transponder chip into the ignition to get it to work. It's not something you can do yourself, and dealers charge a lot to do it. A reliable locksmith should be able to program your transponder for you, although they may not have the same amount of experience as your local dealer.
Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system and permit 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 won't be able use it to start the car since the engine won't start when the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Nearly every car manufactured in the past 20 years or so will have a transponder chip in it. These are radio transmitters that will prevent your car from starting if you don't have the correct key installed. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft because thieves had found a lot of methods to start cars with brute force (pushing the ignition switch using the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the answer to all of this, as it only allowed the car to turn on for a brief period of time. It also verified that there was a key inside.
A normal transponder will appear like a key made of steel with the top made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder that will transmit a signal to your car once the key is in close proximity. Going Here is comprised of an electronic serial number that matches the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals are compatible, your car will allow you to operate it. This is the most effective security system a car manufacturer can implement because it makes car theft impossible for anyone without an authentic key.
There are a variety of types of transponder keys which can be utilized in your vehicle, depending on the model. Certain keys come with a transponder chip inside the head. Some have remote keys that has the transponder for the key. Key fobs usually feature buttons which allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set the alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get you a new transponder to your vehicle and will program it if you need to. This process is usually fairly simple and involves just a few steps. The first step is that the new key has to be cut with a regular metal key cutter, which can usually be done in any automotive retailer. The transponder keys that are blank 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 a fob. The key fob transmits an electronic signal to the vehicle to open doors or start the engine. It can also open the trunk, if equipped.
It's important to remember that the car key fob is not like the traditional key you've got on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to work with your 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 to experts.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some come with a key that can be folded inside, much like the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be put away when not being used. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, that look like a regular-sized key.
If you lose your key fob, it can be a real pain to get replacement. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers can often only provide 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 the security system of your vehicle.
The process of finding a replacement key fob can be fairly simple if you have the correct information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your car. You should also have a working spare key with you to take along.
Get the tools you need: Prior to attempting to program your key fob, consult the manual of the manufacturer to ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a specific mode that might involve switching the ignition off and on for a certain amount of times, triggering certain buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers may even employ a flashing light or a sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
Once you've gathered the required items, you can take your key fob to the closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs at an affordable cost than the dealership. We are open earlier than the dealer, so you won't need to rush to work to have your key fob programmed and cut.