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 offers security and ease of mind to vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting technique for your car's brand and model. The key cutting process takes only about a minute and is much less expensive than purchasing new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car key. They are made with patterns that match the pin settings of a lock to open it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, but locksmiths who have the right tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and will work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also able to make keys that are laser-cut. They are more secure than traditional mechanical key since they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it harder 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.
In the 1990s transponder keys were created as an additional layer of security. They have a tiny chip in their head that transmits information to your car, so it can verify that it's authentic keys. If the chip in the key is not connected to your car it will not begin and remain in a standstill. Keys that are programmed to be more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the newest advancement in car keys. They're a combination of the traditional mechanical key and a remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your vehicle with the key, and allows you to do this from an extended distance. A mobile auto locksmith can make smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Many people think they can find a replacement for their damaged or lost mechanical key from a hardware store but this is not an appropriate method. Most chains don't have the proper equipment or highly skilled professionals to make an excellent key that works in your vehicle. You'll save money and be more secure if you let the creation of the key to professionals.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys cost more to produce than standard key blanks but offer an additional layer of security for your vehicle. Lasers are used to carve them from the middle, permitting them to be put into the lock on either end, and work. They also have a unique design and are more difficult to duplicate.
You can discern a laser-cut key from traditional bladed keys by the thicker shank that has fewer carved grooves. This means that the key is harder to turn than a standard key and makes it more difficult for thieves to open your car without much time and effort. These keys are less likely to be trapped in locks, because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert a laser-cut keys into your lock, it sends a signal to the car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This lets the car know that it is the right key, and it can be used to start. If a thief is able to get their hands on an unauthorised key, the vehicle transmitter will not be able to recognize it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are now used in many luxury cars. They are more expensive and require special equipment to create keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. If you lose one, an experienced locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and easily for an affordable price.
Depending on the car you drive it may be necessary to include a transponder chip into the ignition to get it to work. This isn't something that you can do on your own and most dealerships will charge you an expense of a few hundred dollars to complete the task for you. A reliable locksmith should be able to program your transponder for you however they might not have the same degree of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips, which provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system and permit it to verify that the key is genuine before allowing the engine to start. Even if someone is able to steal the key and duplicate it, they won't be capable of using it to start your car because the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in nearly all vehicles built within the last 20 years. They are basically radio transmitters that prevent your car from starting without the proper key in place. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft, since thieves had devised a variety of methods to start cars with brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve the problem since it could only allow the car to turn on for a brief period of time, but also verify that there was a valid key in the ignition.
A normal transponder key will look much like a standard metal key with a transparent top. This plastic top houses the transponder, which will send a signal to your car whenever the key is close enough. The signal is an electronic serial number that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is the best anti-theft technology the car manufacturer can employ as it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone with an official key.
Based on the model, there are different types of transponder key that can be used. Certain keys come with a transponder chip in the head. Others have an electronic key fob which includes the key transponder. Key fobs typically feature buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your vehicle, set the alarm, and many other functions.
A locksmith can assist you obtain an additional transponder key for your car, and can program it for you, should you require it. The process is typically simple and involves only a few simple steps. First, the new key needs to be cut using an ordinary metal key cutter, which can usually be done in any automotive store. The transponder keys blanks must then be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The procedure of programming usually takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have the remote keyless system which requires a fob. cutting car key sends signals to your vehicle to open doors or start the engine. If equipped, it can also unlock the boot.
Be aware that a car fob is different from the traditional metal keys that you might have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob by yourself. It's best to leave the 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 makes the fob smaller and allows it to be put away when it's not in use. There are also fobs that look more like a regular key, without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob it could be a major trouble to obtain an alternative. It could require specialized tools or a visit to the dealer. Dealers typically only offer a key fob that is compatible with the model you have. car key cutting has the technical expertise to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
The process of obtaining a replacement key fob can be fairly simple if you have the correct details. To begin, you'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. Also, you should have a working spare key with you to take along.
Get the necessary equipment Before you begin to program your keyfob, go through the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer to ensure you have the correct tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a special mode that could involve turning the ignition off and on a certain number of times, triggering certain buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers will even signal the entry into programming mode with a sound or flashing light.
Once you've collected the necessary materials, you'll be able to bring your key fob into your closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs at a much more reasonable price than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open longer than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.