Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than shaping a piece of metal. It's a skill that provides security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners.
Bring your key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting method for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys is only a few minutes and is much less costly than buying a 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 keys. They have a pattern of grooves and ridges cut into them that align with the pin settings of a specific lock to open it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at many hardware stores, however an experienced locksmith with the right tools will generally have better success making copies that are more durable and will work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also capable of creating laser cut keys. These are more secure than a standard mechanical key due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it harder to copy the key and, if someone uses grinders to try to copy it they'll likely leave some metal pieces that will not fit into the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an extra layer of security. These keys contain a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to inform it that it is authentic. If the chip inside your key is not matched to your car it will not be able to start and remain in a standstill. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the newest evolution in car keys. They are a combination of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. This lets you unlock and start your vehicle using the key, and allows you to do this from a distance. A professional auto locksmith on the move can make replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes using the most advanced technology.
Many people think they can get an alternative for their damaged or lost mechanical key at hardware stores however this isn't a good idea. The majority of hardware stores don't have the necessary equipment or highly-trained experts to create an effective key that will work in your vehicle. You'll save money and be safer if you leave the design of your key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys may be more expensive than standard blanks, however, they provide an extra layer of security to your car. They are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be placed 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 bladed keys with traditional design by the wider shank with smaller grooves that have been carved. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car as the key is harder to turn. These keys are also less likely to become stuck in the lock since they are more precise cut.
When you insert a laser-cut keys into your lock, it transmits a signal to the car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This lets the car know that it's the right key, and it can be used to start. If a thief does manage to get their hands on an unauthorised copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it and refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are now used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive to produce than standard keys and require specialized equipment, but they do add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours, an experienced locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and efficiently for an affordable price.
Depending on the car you drive it may be necessary to have a transponder chip programmed into the ignition to get it working. You can't do this yourself, and car dealerships charge a significant amount to do it. A reputable locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder for you however they might not have the same amount of experience as the dealer you are dealing with.
The majority of newer vehicles come with keys laser-cut that have transponder chips to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system and allow it to check that the key is authentic before you start the engine. Even if a thief succeeds in stealing the key and copy it but isn't capable of using it to start your car as the engine won't start if it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Almost any car built in the last 20 years or that's why it has a transponder chip in it. These are essentially radio transmitters that stop your car from starting without the correct key installed. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against car theft, as thieves had come up with 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 the solution to all of this since it allowed the car to be turned on for a brief period of time. It also verified that there was a key present.
A standard transponder can look like a key made of steel with a top made of plastic. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder which will transmit a signal to your car whenever the key is close to. This signal has the digital serial number that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals match your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is the best anti-theft technology the car manufacturer can employ since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone who does not have a valid key.
There are a variety of types of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, based on the model. Some are equipped with a traditional transponder chip that is contained in the head of the key. Some also have a remote fob which houses the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs often come with buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your car or set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help get you a new transponder to your vehicle and can even program it if needed. The process is generally easy and requires only just a few steps. The first step is that the new key has to be cut with the standard metal key cutter, which is usually be done in any automotive retailer. automobile keys made near me will then need to be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming typically takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars use a remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob is used to send a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. If it is equipped, it will also unlock the boot.
Keep in mind that the car fob differs from the traditional metal keys you may have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. You should never try to cut your key fob by yourself. It's always best to take your fob to a professional to cut and program it.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have keys that folds inside, like a switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and compact when not in use. There are also fobs that look more like an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
If you lost your key fob, it could be a major trouble to obtain an alternative. It could require specialized tools or a visit to the dealer. Usually, the dealer will only provide a fob that is compatible with the specific model of your car. The dealer has the technical expertise to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining a new key fob is fairly simple if you have the right information. First, you have to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. Also, you should have a spare key with you to take along.
Gather Necessary Tools: Before attempting to program your key fob, consult the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure that you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a particular mode, which may require pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition a certain number 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 into your nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs at an affordable cost than the dealership. In addition, we are open longer than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.