Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than shaping a piece of metal. It's an art that ensures security, convenience, and peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key using the appropriate key cutting technique for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys takes just a few minutes and is cheaper than buying a new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car key. These keys have a pattern of grooves and ridges cut into them that align with the pin settings in the lock that allows you to open it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at many hardware stores, however a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will usually be more successful in making copies that are more durable and will work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can create laser-cut keys. These are more secure than a standard mechanical key since 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 attempt to do so, they'll likely leave some metal pieces that won't fit in the lock.
In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed to provide an additional layer of security. They have a tiny chip in the head that transmits information to your car so it knows it's authentic keys. If the chip in your car's key is not properly matched, the car will not start. These keys are more expensive than a mechanical key and require expert cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the most recent evolution in car keys. These are a combination between keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. You can open and start your car with this key and do so remotely. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your car in a matter of minutes using the most recent technology.
Many people believe that they can get a replacement for their lost or damaged mechanical key at the hardware store but this is not an appropriate method. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled experts to make an authentic key that will work well in your vehicle. You will save money and be more secure if you delegate the creation of the key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more costly to make than standard keys, but they provide a higher level of security for your car. Lasers are used to carve keys from the middle allowing them to be inserted into the lock at either end and still work. They also have a unique pattern and are harder to duplicate.
You can tell a laser-cut key apart from bladed keys with traditional design by the wider shank with fewer carved grooves. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car since the key is more difficult 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 in your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This lets the car know it's the correct key and allows it to start. If a thief manages to get their hands onto an unauthorized key, the vehicle transmitter will not recognize it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been used in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. this content are more expensive and require special equipment to create keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and easily at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
Depending on the car you drive it may be necessary to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to get it working. This isn't something you can do on your own, and most car dealerships will charge an amount of money to perform the program for you. A reputable locksmith will be able program your transponder, however they might not have as much expertise as the local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of most modern cars to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with the car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the key before making the motor start. Even if a burglar succeeds in stealing the key and replicate it, they won't be able to use it to start your car because the engine won't start in the event that it doesn't have a correct code.
Transponder Keys
Nearly every car manufactured in the past 20 years or so will have a transponder chip inside of it. These are essentially radio transmitters that prevent your car from starting without the correct key installed. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft since thieves had devised a variety of 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 that as it only allowed the car to turn on for a short period of time, but also verify that there was a genuine key in place.
A standard transponder can look like a key made of steel with the top made of plastic. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder which will send a signal to your car when the key is close to. The signal is comprised of an electronic serial number that is identical to the original transponder that is inside your car. If the signals match the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is the best anti-theft technology an automaker can put in place because it makes car theft impossible for anyone who does not have an official key.
There are a few different types of transponder keys which can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Some keys have an embedded transponder in the head. Some also have a remote fob which houses the key transponder. Key fobs typically have buttons on them that can lock/unlock your car and set the alarm and other functions.
A locksmith can help you obtain a new transponder key for your vehicle and even program it for you, should you require it. The process is generally straightforward and only requires a few steps. The new key must be cut using a key cutter. This can be done at any automotive store. The blank transponder keys will then need to be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process usually takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars come with the remote keyless system which requires a fob. The fob sends signals to your vehicle to unlock doors and start the engine. If equipped, it can also unlock the boot.
It is important to keep in mind that the car key fob is not like the typical metal key you might have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. That's why you should never attempt cutting your own fob. It's always best to take your fob to an expert to cut and program it.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with an open key that can be folded inside, similar to an ad-hoc switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and compact when not being used. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, that appear like regular-sized keys.
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. Often, the dealer can only provide a fob that works with your specific model. This is because the dealer has the technology know-how to ensure that a replacement fob matches up with your car's security system.
The process of obtaining an alternative key fob could be fairly simple if you have the correct information. You will have to know your car's year, make, and model. Also, you should have a working spare key to bring along.
Gather the necessary tools: Before attempting to program your key fob, read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a specific mode that could involve switching the ignition on and off a certain number of times, pressing specific buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers might even employ an illuminated light or sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be programmed and cut. We can save you time and money because we cut your key fobs at a lower price than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer so you don't have to rush to work in order to get your keyfob programmed and cut.