Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting keys for cars involves more than just bent metal. It's a skill that offers security and ease of mind to car owners.
Bring your key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting technique for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys is a matter of minutes and is cheaper than purchasing a new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest kind of car keys and go back to the early days of automotive locks. These keys have a pattern that matches 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 in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also able to make keys that are laser-cut. They are more secure than mechanical keys due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides. This makes it harder to make a copy and, if someone attempts to make use of a grinder to the key, they will likely leave behind a large amount of metal scraps that won't fit into the lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented to add another layer of security. They have a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your car to let it know it is authentic. If the chip on the key of your car is not properly matched, the car will not start. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the latest advancement in car keys. They are an amalgamation of a traditional mechanical key and a remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your car using the key, and allows you to do so from an extended distance. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option for a new mechanical key to replace damaged or lost keys. The majority of hardware stores don't have the tools or highly-trained professionals to create an effective key that will work 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 than standard blanks however, they provide an extra security layer to your vehicle. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle which allows them to be inserted into the lock at either end, and work. They also have a different design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The thicker shank with less grooves will allow you to discern a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car because the key is harder to turn. The keys are less likely to be caught in the lock, since they have more precise cutting.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock it sends a signal to your car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the right key and allows it to start. If a thief does manage to get their hands on an unauthorised copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not register it and not start.
Laser-cut keys have been utilized in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require special equipment to make, but they provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. If you lose yours an experienced locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and at reasonable cost.
Depending on the car you drive, you may need to have a transponder chip programmed into the ignition to get it to work. This isn't something that you can do by yourself and the majority of car dealers will charge an expense of a few hundred dollars to perform the program for you. A reputable locksmith can program your transponder, but they might not have the same experience than your local dealer.
Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system and permit it to confirm that the key is authentic before you start the engine. Even if a thief is able to steal the key and copy it but isn't capable of using it to start your car as the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in nearly all vehicles built in the past 20 years. These are radio transmitters that make sure your car isn't started without the right keys. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft because thieves had found a lot of methods 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 was a solution to all of this, because it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short period of time, and also confirmed that there was a key present.
A regular transponder will look like a key made of steel with the top made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder, which will send a message to your car once the key is in close proximity. This signal has a serial number digital that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible, your car will allow you to operate it. This is the best anti-theft system that a car manufacturer can implement as it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone who does not have an authentic key.
Depending on the model, there are different kinds of transponder keys that are available. Some keys include an embedded transponder in the head. Some have an electronic key fob that includes the transponder of the key. Key fobs typically have buttons on them that can lock/unlock your car or set the alarm and other functions.
A locksmith can assist you get a new transponder key for your car and can even program it for you, if needed. The process is typically simple and requires only a few simple steps. The new key needs to be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any car dealership. The transponder keys blanks will then need to be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming typically takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars use the remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob is used to send the vehicle a signal to unlock the doors, or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, provided it's equipped.
It's important to remember that a car key fob is not like the traditional key you've got on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob on your own. It's always best to take your key fob to an expert to cut and program it.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with keys that fold inside it, similar to the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be tucked away when it's not being used. You can also find fobs that look more like the regular key, but without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob it can be a real hassle to find a replacement. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, the dealer can only provide a fob that works with your specific model. The dealer has the expertise to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's security system.
Fortunately, the process of getting an entirely new key fob is relatively simple when you have the right details. For starters, you need to know the year, make and model of your car. Bring along a spare key that is functional.
Gather the necessary tools: Before attempting to program your key fob, read the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a specific mode that might involve switching the ignition on and off at a specific number of times, triggering certain buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers may even signal the switch to programming mode by sound or flashing lights.
You can take your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be cut and programmed. We can save your time and money since we cut your key fobs for a lower price than the dealership. cheap key cutting are open earlier than the dealer and you won't have to rush to work in order to get your keyfob programmed and cut.