Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting requires more than just bent metal. It's an art that ensures security, convenience, and peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting method for your make and model. The key cutting process takes only 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. These keys have an arrangement that is in line with the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at many hardware stores, however a professional locksmith with the right tools will typically have better success making copies that are more durable and will work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also make keys that are laser-cut. These are more secure than traditional mechanical key because they feature grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it harder to make a copy, and if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they'll likely leave behind a lot of metal scraps which will not fit into the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an extra layer of security. They have a tiny chip in their head that communicates to your car, so it can verify that it's genuine keys. If the chip inside the car's key isn't properly matched, the car won't start. These keys are more costly than a mechanical key and require expert programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the newest technology in car keys. These are the result of combining a traditional mechanical key and remote control. You can unlock and start your vehicle with this key, and do it remotely. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Many people believe that they can get an alternative for their lost or damaged mechanical key from the hardware store, but this is not a safe practice. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly trained professionals to make a quality key that will work well in your vehicle. You'll save money as well as be more secure if you delegate the design of your key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to make than standard key blanks, but offer an additional layer of security for your car. Lasers are used to carve keys from the middle which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either side and still function. They have a unique pattern that is more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and smaller grooves can help you identify a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes the key more difficult to turn than the standard key, making it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your car without much time and effort. The keys are less likely to be stuck in the lock as they have a more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut key in your lock, a unique signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This informs the car that it is the right key, and that it is able to be used to start. If a burglar manages to get their hands onto an unauthorized key, the car's transmitter will not recognize it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced in the 1990s and are used in many luxury cars. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to make, but they provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
Depending on the model of your car, you may need to include a transponder chip into the key to allow it working. It's not something you can do yourself, and dealers charge a lot to do it. A reputable locksmith can program your transponder, however they may not have the same expertise than your local dealer.
The majority of newer vehicles come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips that provide an additional layer of security. These chips are synchronized with your car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the key before making the motor start. Even if the thief is able to steal and duplicate the key, they won't be able to start the car since the engine won't start if the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in almost all cars built in the last 20 years. These are radio transmitters that can keep your car from starting if you don't have the correct key in place. car keys cut and programmed was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft because thieves had discovered a myriad of ways to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch using a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the solution to all of this, because it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short period of time and also registered that there was a key in place.
A normal transponder will appear like a key made of metal with a top made of plastic. This plastic top houses the transponder, which will send an alert to your car when the key is near enough. This signal contains an electronic serial number that is identical to the original transponder in your car. If the signals match, your car will allow you to operate it. This is among the most effective forms of anti-theft technology that a car manufacturer has implemented because it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for anyone who does not possess a valid key.
There are a few different types of transponder keys which can be used in your vehicle, based on the model. Some have the traditional transponder chip which is located in the head of the key. Others come with an electronic key fob that has the key transponder. Key fobs typically include buttons that permit you to lock and unlock your car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get you a new transponder for your vehicle and can even programme it if required. The process is generally straightforward and only requires a few steps. First, the new key has to be cut with an ordinary metal key cutter, which can be done at any automotive store. The transponder keys blanks will then have to be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process is usually fast and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have the remote keyless system which requires a fob. The fob's key sends an electronic signal to the vehicle to unlock doors or start the engine. If equipped, it can also unlock the boot.
It's important to remember that a car key fob is not like the traditional metal key you've got on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob by yourself. It is always recommended to take your key fob to an expert to cut and program it.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside it, much like the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be hidden away when it's not being used. There are also fobs that appear more like a regular key, without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob, it could be a major trouble to obtain replacement. It may require specialized tools or a trip to the dealership. Dealers typically only offer an item that is compatible with the model you have. The dealer has the technical expertise to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
The process of obtaining an alternative key fob could be relatively simple if you have the correct details. You will need to know your car's year, make and model. Take an extra key that is functional.
Gather 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, which may require pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition at a specific number of times or some combination of these. Some manufacturers may even employ a flashing light or a sound to signal the start of programming mode.
You can take your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it programmed and cut. We can save you time and money because we cut your key fobs for cheaper than the dealership. In addition, we are open longer than the dealership so you don't need to rush off to get your key fob cut and programmed.