Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting keys for cars involves more than simply bent metal. It's a technique that provides security and convenience as well as peace of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting procedure for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys takes just a few minutes and is much less expensive than purchasing the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the simplest kind of car key. These keys have a pattern that matches the pins of the lock to unlock it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, however a locksmith with the proper tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and will work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also be capable of making laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to make copies and, if someone attempts to use a grinder on the key, they'll likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces that will not fit in the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an extra layer of security. They have a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to inform it that it is genuine. If the chip inside the key of your car is not matched, your 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. They're a mix of the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your vehicle with the key, and allows you to do so from the 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 think they can get an alternative for their damaged or lost mechanical key from the hardware store, but this is not a good idea. The majority of chains don't have the proper equipment or highly skilled professionals to make an excellent key that will work well in your vehicle. You'll save money and be more secure if you let the making of the key to an expert.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive than standard blanks however they add an additional 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 distinct pattern and are harder to duplicate.
The wider shank and fewer grooves will help you distinguish a laser-cut from a traditional bladed key. This makes the key more difficult to turn than the standard key and makes it more difficult for thieves to open your car without a lot of time and effort. get keys cut are less likely to be caught in the lock, because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut keys into your lock, a unique signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This informs the car that it's the correct key and allows it to start. If a criminal manages to obtain an unauthorized copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and not start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are currently used in many luxury cars. They are more expensive to make than regular keys and require specialized equipment, but they do add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours a professional locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and efficiently for reasonable cost.
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. You cannot do this yourself, and car dealerships charge a lot for it. A reputable locksmith will be able program your transponder, however they may not have the same experience as the local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of most modern cars to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system, allowing it to verify that the key is genuine before allowing the engine to start. Even if someone is able to steal the key and replicate it, they won't be in a position to start your car as the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Nearly every car manufactured in the last 20 years or so will have a transponder chip inside of it. These are essentially radio transmitters that can stop your car from starting without the correct key in place. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft as thieves had found a lot of methods to start cars through brute force (pushing the ignition switch with the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve all of this because it would only allow the car to turn on for a brief period of time, but also verify that there was a genuine key in the ignition.
A normal transponder will appear like a key made of metal with an outer cover made of plastic. The plastic top houses the transponder that will send the signal to your car when the key is near enough. This signal has the digital serial number that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals match then you'll be able to operate your car. This is one of the most effective methods of anti-theft technology manufacturers of cars have implemented because it has made car theft nearly impossible for anyone who does not have a valid keys.
There are several kinds of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, based on the model. Some of them have an old-fashioned transponder chip that is housed in the head of the key. Some have a remote key fob which includes the transponder of the key. Key fobs usually have buttons that allow you to lock/unlock the car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help get you a new transponder to your vehicle, and even program it if needed. The process is typically simple and only involves just a few steps. The first step is that the new key has to be cut using an ordinary metal key cutter, which can usually be done at any automotive retailer. Then, the blank transponder key must be programmed to your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The process of programming typically takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have a remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob's key sends a signal to your vehicle to unlock doors or start the engine. It also opens the trunk, provided it's equipped.
It's important to remember that the car key fob is not like the typical metal key you've got on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that must be properly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. That's why you should never attempt to cut your own fob. It's best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to professionals.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have an internal key that folds into it, much like the switchblade. This lets the fob be smaller and compact when not in use. There are also fobs that look more like the regular key, but without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob, it can be a real pain to get an alternative. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers usually only offer a key fob that is compatible with your car. The dealer has the technical knowledge to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining an entirely new key fob is fairly simple if you have the right information. You'll have to know your car's year of manufacture, year of manufacture, and model. Take an extra key that is functional.
Get the necessary equipment Before you begin 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 need to enter a particular mode that may require switching the ignition off and on at a specific number of times, triggering certain buttons or any combination of these. Certain manufacturers may also signal entry into programming mode with a sound or flashing light.
After you've gathered all the necessary items, you can take your key fob to your closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs for a much more reasonable price than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer and you won't have to rush to work to get your keyfob programed and cut.