Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It's a skill that offers security and ease of mind to car owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the correct key cutting technique for your make and model. The key-cutting procedure takes only few minutes and is cheaper than buying the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic kind of car keys and go back to the early days of locking mechanisms for automobiles. They have a pattern of ridges and grooves cut into them that align with the pins in a specific lock to unlock it. The majority of hardware stores can duplicate mechanical keys, but locksmiths who have the right tools can make copies that are more durable and work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith will also be able to create laser cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys because they have grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to copy the key and, if someone uses a grinder to attempt to copy it, they'll likely leave behind metal scraps which will not fit in your lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented to add another layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip in the head that communicates to your car, so it can verify that it's a genuine key. If the chip inside the key is not connected to your vehicle it will not begin and will remain unresponsive. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require a professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the latest evolution in car keys. They are a combination of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your vehicle by using the key. It also allows you to do so from a distance. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your car in a matter of minutes using the most recent technology.
Many people may think that they can get an alternative for a damaged or lost mechanical key at the hardware store however this isn't a safe practice. Most hardware stores do not have the tools or highly-trained professionals to make an effective key that will work in your car. It is much safer to leave the design of your key to a professional, and you will most likely save money in the long run by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys can be more expensive than regular blanks, but they offer an extra layer of security to your vehicle. They are carved from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be put into 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 discern a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car since the key is harder to turn. Keys with this design are less likely to be stuck in the lock because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut keys inside your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This informs the car that it's the right key and it can be used to start. If a criminal manages to obtain an unauthorised copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and will not start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to create keys, but they do provide an extra layer security for your vehicle. If you lose one, an experienced locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and at reasonable cost.
You might need to have the transponder chip programmed into your key depending on the vehicle you drive. This isn't something that you can do by yourself, and most car dealerships will charge an arm and a leg to perform the program for you. A good locksmith will be able to program your transponder on your behalf, although they may not have the same level of expertise as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of many newer vehicles to provide an extra layer security. These chips are synchronized with your ignition system, allowing it to verify the key prior to beginning the engine. Even if the person who stole it is capable of stealing and copying the key, they won't be able to start the car since the engine will not start if the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in the majority of cars manufactured in the last 20 years. These are radio transmitters that make sure your car isn't started without the correct keys. This was a major breakthrough 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 the answer to all of this, since it allowed the car to turn on for a short period of time and also registered that there was a key present.
A standard transponder can look like a key made of metal with the top made of plastic. The plastic top houses the transponder that will send the signal to your car when the key is near enough. The signal is a digital serial number that matches the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals match, you will be capable of operating your car. This is the most effective security system an automaker can put in place since it makes car theft impossible for anyone without a valid key.
Based on the model, there are different kinds of transponder keys that can be used. Some keys have an embedded transponder in the head. Some have an electronic key fob that has the transponder of the key. Key fobs usually have buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car or set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get you a new transponder for your vehicle, and even program it if you need to. This procedure is usually straightforward and only involves the following steps. The first step is that the new key has to be cut with the standard metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any automotive store. Then, motorcycle key cutting must be programmed to your specific vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The programming process usually takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have the remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The key fob transmits signals to your vehicle to open doors or start the engine. It can also open the trunk, if it is equipped.
Keep in mind that a car fob is different from the traditional metal keys you may have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. That's why you should never attempt to cut your fob yourself. It is best to leave cutting and programming of your key fobs to professionals.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with an open key that can be folded inside, like the switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be put away when not in use. You can also find fobs that look more like an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob, it can be a huge pain to get replacement. It could require specialized tools or a visit to the dealer. Dealers can often only provide a key fob that is compatible with your car. The dealer has the technical knowledge to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
The process of finding an alternative key fob could be relatively simple if you have the correct information. You'll be required to know the car's year, make and model. Bring an extra key that works.
Make sure you have the required equipment Before you begin to program your keyfob go through the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the right tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a specific mode that may require switching the ignition off and on a certain number of times, pressing specific buttons or a combination of both. Some manufacturers might even employ an illuminated 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 closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money because we cut your key fobs for less than the dealership. We are also open longer than the dealership so you don't need to rush off to cut your key fob and programmed.