Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting car keys involves more than simply cutting a piece of metal. It's a technique that offers security and ease of mind to car owners.
Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting technique for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys takes a matter of minutes and is less expensive than a replacement car key purchased from a dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic type of car key and go back to the beginning of automotive locks. These keys have a pattern of ridges and grooves cut into them that line up with the pin settings in the lock that allows you to open it. The majority of hardware stores can duplicate mechanical keys, but a locksmith with the proper tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and will work inside your car.
A professional locksmith can also make laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys because they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to duplicate the key, and if someone is using a grinder to try to duplicate the key they'll likely leave the metal pieces that will not fit in your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an additional layer of security. They have an embedded chip in the head of the key that communicates with your car to let it know it is authentic. If the chip in the key is not connected to your car it will not begin and will remain unresponsive. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require a professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the latest evolution in car keys. They are a combination of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your vehicle using the key, and allows you to do so from the distance. A mobile professional auto locksmith can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best place to get a new mechanical key to replace the one that has been damaged or lost. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled professionals to make a quality key that can be used in your vehicle. You will save money and be more secure if you delegate the creation of the key to professionals.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys can be more expensive than regular blanks, however they add an additional layer of security to your car. They are cut from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be put into the lock from either side and still work. They also have a different design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and fewer grooves will help you identify a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car because the key is harder to turn. Keys with this design are also less likely to become stuck in locks because 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 can be started. If a thief gets their hands on an unauthorised key, the vehicle transmitter will not register it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive to make than regular keys and require special equipment, but they do add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours, an experienced locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and at a reasonable price.
Depending on the car you drive, you may need to include a transponder chip into the key to allow it working. You can't do this yourself, and dealers charge a significant amount to do it. A good locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder for you however they might not have the same amount of experience as the dealer you are dealing with.
motorcycle key cutting of newer vehicles come with laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips that provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with your ignition system, allowing it to verify the key prior to beginning the engine. Even if someone is able to steal the key and replicate it, they won't be able to use it to start your car since the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in the majority of cars manufactured within the last 20 years. They are basically radio transmitters that can keep your car from starting without the proper key in place. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against car theft, as thieves had come up with a variety of methods to start cars with brute force. (Pushing laser key cutting using screwdrivers with flat blades) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip was the answer to all of this because it only allowed the car to be turned on for a brief period of time. It also verified that there was a key inside.
A regular transponder will look like a key made of steel with an outer cover made of plastic. This plastic top contains the actual transponder which will send a message to your car when the key is within close proximity. The signal is comprised of a digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible then you'll be capable of operating your car. This is the best anti-theft technology the car manufacturer can employ as it makes car theft impossible for anyone who does not have a valid key.
Based on the model, there are different kinds of transponder keys that can be used. Some keys include a transponder chip in the head. Some also have a remote fob which houses the key transponder. Key fobs usually come with 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 to your vehicle and can even programme it if required. This process is usually fairly straightforward and only requires a few steps. The new key needs to be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be done at any car dealership. Then, the blank transponder key will need to be programmed for your specific vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The programming process is usually very quick and only takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have the remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob's key sends an electronic signal to the vehicle to open doors or start the engine. It can also open the trunk, if it is equipped.
Keep in mind that the car fob differs from the conventional keys that you might have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob on your own. It is best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to experts.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside it, similar to a switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be hidden away when it's not in use. There are also fobs that appear more like an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
It may be difficult to replace your key fob if you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, dealers can only provide a fob that is compatible with the specific model of your car. The dealer has the technical knowledge to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's security system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining a new key fob is relatively simple when you have the right details. replacement car key cutting will need to know your car's year, make and model. You should also have a working spare key that you can bring with you.
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 you have the right tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a special mode that could involve switching the ignition on and off at a specific number of times, triggering certain buttons or a combination of both. Certain manufacturers may also signal the entry into programming mode with a sound or light flash.
Once you've gathered the required materials, you'll be able to bring your key fob to your nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs at a a much more reasonable price than the dealership. We are open later than the dealership so you don't have hurry to get your keyfob programmed and cut.