Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting keys for cars involves more than simply bending a piece metal. It's an art form that guarantees security, convenience, and peace of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting technique for your car's make and model. The key cutting process takes only a few minutes and is less expensive 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 beginning of automotive locks. These keys have a pattern that matches the pins of the lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied at many hardware stores, however an experienced locksmith with the right tools will generally have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and will work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can make laser-cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys as they have grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to copy the key and if someone is using grinders to try to duplicate the key they'll likely leave behind metal scraps which won't fit in the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an extra layer of security. They have a tiny chip in the head that transmits information to your car so it knows it's authentic keys. If the chip in the key of your car is not properly matched, the car will not start. These keys are more expensive than a mechanical one and require expert programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the newest development in car keys. They are an amalgamation of traditional mechanical keys and remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your car with the key, and allows you to do so from an extended distance. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your car in minutes using the latest technology.
Many people may think that they can find a replacement for a damaged or lost mechanical key at hardware stores, but this is not a good idea. The majority of chains don't have the proper equipment or highly trained professionals to be able to create an excellent key that can be used in your vehicle. You'll save money as well as be safer if you leave the design of your key to professionals.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more costly to make than standard key blanks, but provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. They are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be placed into the lock from either side and still work. They feature a distinct pattern and are more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and smaller grooves can help you distinguish a laser-cut from a traditional bladed key. This makes the key harder to turn than the standard key which makes it harder for thieves to gain entry into your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. Keys with this design are also less likely to get stuck in the lock since they have a more precise cut.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock, it sends a signal to the car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the correct key, and it can be started. If a thief is able to get their hands on a stolen key, the car's transmitter will not recognize it. It will be unable to start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to make them, but they offer an extra layer security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and easily at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
Depending on Recommended Resource site of your car, you may need to have a transponder chip programmed into the ignition to get it working. This isn't something that you can do by yourself, and most car dealerships will charge you an amount of money to complete the task for you. A reliable locksmith can program your transponder, however they may not have the same experience than your local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of a majority of newer cars to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are synchronized with your car's ignition system, which allows it to verify the keys before beginning the engine. Even if a burglar is able to steal the key and replicate it but isn't able to use it to start your car since the engine will refuse to start if it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Almost any car built in the last 20 years or that's why it has a transponder chip in it. These are essentially radio transmitters that keep your car from starting without the correct key installed. This was a significant breakthrough in the fight against car theft, since thieves had devised a variety of ways to start cars using brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve all of that as it would only allow the car to be turned on for a short time while also registering that there was a genuine key in place.
A standard transponder can look like a key made of steel with an outer cover made of plastic. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder which will send a message to your car when the key is in close proximity. The signal is the digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder that is inside your car. If the signals match your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is one of the most effective methods of anti-theft technology a car manufacturer has implemented as it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for anyone who doesn't have a valid keys.
Based on the model, there are several different types of transponder key that can be used. Some keys have a transponder chip in the head. Others have a remote key fob which includes the transponder for the key. Key fobs usually include buttons that permit you to lock or unlock your car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get you a new transponder for your vehicle and will program it if you need to. The process is typically simple and involves only the following steps. The new key needs to be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any car dealership. The transponder keys blanks will then have to be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process is usually very quick and only takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars use an electronic keyless entry system that requires fob. The key fob transmits signals to your vehicle to open doors or start the engine. If it's equipped, it can also unlock the boot.
Remember that a car fob is different from the conventional keys you've got on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be properly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt cutting your own fob. It is best to leave cutting and programming of your key fobs to experts.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some come with an internal key that folds into it, much like the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be tucked away when not being used. You can also find fobs that resemble a regular key, without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob it could be a major hassle to find a replacement. It could require specialized tools or a trip to a dealer. Often, the dealer can only provide a fob that works with your specific model. This is because the dealer has the technological expertise to make sure the replacement fob works with your car's security system.
Fortunately, the process of getting a new key fob is fairly easy if you have the right information. For starters, you need to know the year, make and model of your car. Also, you should have a spare key to bring along.
Get the tools you need: Prior to attempting to program your key fob, consult the manual of the manufacturer to ensure you have all the required tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a particular 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 may even use a flashing light or sound to signal the start of programming mode.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be cut and programmed. We'll save your time and money since we cut your key fobs at a lower price than the dealership. We are open later than the dealership and you won't have to rush to work in order to have your key fob programmed and cut.