Car Key Cutting – Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting car keys requires more than just cutting a piece of metal. It’s a technique that provides security, convenience, and peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting procedure for your make and model. The process of cutting keys takes just few minutes and is less expensive than buying new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the simplest kind of car key. They have a pattern of ridges and grooves cut into them that line up with the pin settings of the lock to open it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at the majority of hardware stores, but a professional locksmith with the right tools will generally have better success making copies that are more durable and can work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also be capable of creating laser cut keys. These are more secure than a standard mechanical key because they feature grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it harder to make copies, and if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they will likely leave behind a large amount of metal pieces which will not fit into your lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented to add another layer of security. These keys have a small chip in the head that communicates with your car so it knows it’s authentic keys. If the chip inside your key isn’t matched to your vehicle, it will not start and will remain immobilised. Keys that are programmed to be more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the newest advancement in car keys. These are an amalgamation of traditional mechanical keys and a remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your car by using the key. It also lets you do it from the distance. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Many people may think that they can find an alternative for a damaged or lost mechanical key from hardware stores but this is not a safe practice. The majority of chains don’t have the proper equipment or highly skilled professionals to make a quality key that will work well in your vehicle. You will save money and be safer if you leave the creation of the key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to produce than standard keys, but offer an additional layer of security for 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 feature a distinct design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and fewer grooves will help you distinguish a laser-cut from a bladed traditional key. This means that the key is more difficult to turn than an ordinary key and makes it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your car keys cut and programmed without a lot of time and effort. They are also less likely to become stuck in the lock because they have a more precise cut.
When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock, it sends a signal to your car’s receiver which matches its unique pattern. This signals the car key cutting service that it’s the correct key, and allows it to start. If a burglar manages to get their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle’s transmitter will not recognize it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are currently used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to create them, but they offer an extra layer security for your vehicle. If you lose one, a professional locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and easily for reasonable cost.
It is possible that you will need the transponder chip programmed into your key, based on the vehicle you own. This isn’t something you can do by yourself and the majority of car dealerships will charge an expense of a few hundred dollars to perform the program for you. A good locksmith should be able to program your transponder for you even though they may not have the same level of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
Transponder chips are included in the keys of many modern cars to add an additional layer of security. These chips are synchronized with your ignition system, allowing it to verify the key before beginning the engine. Even if a thief succeeds in stealing the key and copy it but isn’t in a position to start your car because the engine won’t start when it doesn’t have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Most cars built in the past 20 years or so will have a transponder chip in it. These are radio transmitters which 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 ways to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch using the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve all of this because it would only allow the car to start for a short period of time, but also verify that there was a valid key in the ignition.
A regular transponder will look like a key made of metal with a top made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder which will transmit a signal to your car when the key is close to. The signal is an electronic serial number that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible then you’ll be able to operate your car key blade cutting. This is among the most effective methods of anti-theft technology a car manufacturer has implemented because it has made car theft nearly impossible for those who do not have a valid keys.
There are a few different kinds of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some of them have the traditional transponder chip which is contained inside the head of the key. Some have remote keys that has the transponder for the key. Key fobs typically include buttons that permit you to lock/unlock the car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you obtain an updated transponder key to your car, and can program it for you, should you require it. This process is usually fairly easy and requires only a few steps. The new key must be cut using a key cutter. This can be accomplished at any automotive store. The transponder keys blanks must then be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming is generally extremely quick and takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars come with an electronic remote keyless system that requires fob. The fob transmits a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if equipped.
It is important to keep in mind that a car key fob is not like the traditional metal key that you may have on your keychain. It’s an intricate piece of electronic equipment that needs to be programmed correctly to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. That’s why you should never attempt to cut your fob yourself. It’s best to leave the cutting and programming of your fobs to professionals.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some feature a key that folds inside it, similar to a switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be hidden away when not being used. You can also find fobs that resemble an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
It can be difficult to replace your key cut service (more info here) fob in the event that you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers usually only offer the key fob that is compatible with your model. The dealer has the technical expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle’s security 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, model and year of your car. Bring along a spare emergency key cutting that works.
Gather the Necessary Equipment Before you attempt to program your keyfob, go through the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the right tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a specific mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons and turning the ignition off or on at a specific number of times or some combination of these. Some manufacturers will even signal entry into programming mode by making a sound or flashing lights.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it cut and programmed. We’ll save you time and money because we cut your key fobs at a lower price than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer and you won’t have to rush in order to have your key fob programmed and cut.