Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting involves more than just bent metal. It's a technique that provides security, convenience, and peace of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key using the appropriate key cutting procedure for your car's brand 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 are the simplest form of car key and dates back to the early days of automotive locks. They are made up of grooves and ridges cut into them that align with the pin settings of the lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied from many hardware stores, however an experienced locksmith with the right tools will usually have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and will work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also able to make laser-cut keys. They are more secure than traditional mechanical key due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to duplicate and, if someone attempts to grind 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 1990s to provide an extra layer of security. They have a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it is legitimate. If the chip in the car's key isn't compatible, your car won't start. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
automobile keys made near me are the newest advancement in car keys. They are the result of combining the traditional mechanical key and remote control. You can unlock and start your vehicle with this key, and do it via remote. A mobile professional auto locksmith can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option to purchase a new mechanical key to replace the one that has been damaged or lost. Most hardware stores do not have the tools or highly-trained professionals to create keys that work in your car. It is better to leave the design of your key to a professional, and you'll save money over the long term by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys can be more expensive than regular blanks, however, they provide an extra security layer to your car. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle permitting them to be put into the lock on either side and still function. They also have a distinct design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and fewer grooves will help you identify a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car since the key is more difficult to turn. Keys with this design are also less likely to get stuck in locks because they are more precise cut.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock it transmits a signal to the car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the right key and can be started. If a burglar is able to get their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle's transmitter will not register it. It will be unable to start.
Laser-cut keys have been used in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require special equipment to create keys, but they do provide an extra layer security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and at a reasonable price if you lose it.
You might need to have the transponder chip programmed in your key, based on the vehicle you own. You can't do this by yourself, and dealerships charge a lot to do it. A reputable locksmith can program your transponder, but they may not have the same expertise as your local dealer.
The majority of modern cars have laser-cut keys with transponder chips, which provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered with your car's ignition system, which allows it to verify the key before starting the motor. 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 because the engine will not start if the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in almost all cars built in the past 20 years. These are essentially radio transmitters that will prevent your car from starting if you don't have the proper key in place. This was a major innovation in the fight against auto theft as thieves had discovered a myriad of ways 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 solved the problem since it would only allow the car to be turned on for a short time while also registering that there was a valid key in place.
A regular transponder will look like a metal key with a top made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder which will send a message to your car once the key is within close proximity. This signal has a serial number digital which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals match then you'll be able to operate your car. This is the best anti-theft technology the car manufacturer can employ as it makes car theft impossible for anyone who does not have an official key.
There are a few different kinds of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some keys include a transponder chip in the head. Some also have a remote fob that contains the transponder chip of the key. The key fobs will often feature buttons that can lock/unlock your vehicle and set the alarm and other functions.
A locksmith can assist you obtain an updated transponder key to your car and can even program it for you, if needed. The process is generally simple and involves just a few steps. The first step is that the new key will need to be cut using a regular metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any automotive retailer. Then, the transponder key must be programmed for your particular vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The procedure of programming usually takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have an electronic keyless entry system that requires a fob. The key fob sends a signal from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. If it's equipped, it can also open the boot.
Be aware that the car fob is different from the conventional keys you may have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be correctly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob yourself. It's best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs to experts.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have keys that fold inside it, much like the switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and compact when not being used. There are fobs without the foldable feature, that look like a regular-sized key.
If you lose your key fob, it could be a major pain to get 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 your specific model. The dealer has the technical expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining the new key fob you want is fairly simple if you have the correct information. First, you have to know the year, model and year of your car. You should also have a spare key to bring along.
Get the necessary equipment Before you begin to program your keyfob review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure you have the right tools and equipment. You will need to enter a specific mode that may require switching the ignition off and on for a certain amount of times, pressing specific buttons or a combination of both. Some manufacturers may even employ an illuminated light or sound to signal the switch to programming mode.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs at a an affordable cost than the dealership. We are also open longer than the dealership so you don't have to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.