Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than creating a metal piece. It's a technique that offers security and ease of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the correct key cutting procedure for your model and make. The process of cutting keys takes just about a minute and is cheaper 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 are made up of grooves and ridges carved into them that line up with the pin settings in the lock to unlock it. Hardware stores are able to copy mechanical keys, but a locksmith with the proper tools will be able to make copies that are more durable and work inside your car.
A professional locksmith is also able to create laser cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to make copies, and if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they'll likely leave behind a lot of metal scraps that will not fit in the lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were created to provide an additional layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip in the head that communicates to your car, so it can verify that it's genuine keys. If the chip on your car's key is not compatible, your vehicle will not start. These keys are more expensive than a mechanical key and require professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the latest development in car keys. They are the result of combining a traditional mechanical key and a remote control. You can unlock and start your car using this key, and do it via remote. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the most recent technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best option for a new mechanical key to replace damaged or lost keys. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled professionals to make an excellent key that can be used in your vehicle. It is better to leave the design of your key to a professional, and you'll likely save money over the long term by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to make than standard key blanks, but offer an additional layer of security for your vehicle. Lasers are used to carve keys from the middle, which allows them to be inserted into the lock at either side and still function. They have a unique pattern that is more difficult to duplicate.
You can distinguish a key made of lasers from traditional bladed keys by the thicker shank that has less grooves carved. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car as the key is more difficult to turn. Keys with this design are also less likely to get stuck in the lock because they are more precise cut.
When you insert the laser-cut key into your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the car's receiver. This informs the car that it's the right key and allows it to start. If a burglar manages to get their hands onto an unauthorized key, the vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s, and are currently used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive to produce than standard key blanks and require specialized equipment, but they do add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours a professional locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and easily for reasonable cost.
You may need to have the transponder chip programmed in your key based on the vehicle you drive. This isn't something that you can do on your own and most dealerships will charge you an arm and a leg to do it for you. A reputable locksmith will be able to program your transponder for you even though they may not have the same level of expertise as your local dealer.
Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system and allow it to verify that the key is genuine before allowing the engine to start. Even if a burglar manages to steal the key and replicate it but isn't in a position to start your car because the engine will refuse to start if it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in almost all cars built within the last 20 years. These are radio transmitters that make sure your car isn't started without the right keys. This was a significant breakthrough in the fight against car theft, since thieves had devised a variety of ways to start cars by brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was a solution to all of this, since it allowed the car to be turned on for a short period of time. It also verified that there was a key present.
A normal transponder key will look much like a regular metal key, but with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the actual transponder that will send a signal to your car whenever the key is close to. The signal is the digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals are compatible, you will be able to operate your car. This is the most effective anti-theft system that 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 come with remote keys that includes the transponder for the key. Key fobs typically include buttons that permit you to lock or unlock your car or set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder for your vehicle, and even program it if you need to. The process is generally easy and requires only several steps. First, the new key has to be cut using the standard metal key cutter, which can be done at any auto retailer. The blank transponder keys must then be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process is usually very quick and only takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars come with the remote keyless system which requires a fob. The fob's key sends a signal to your vehicle to unlock doors and start the engine. If it is equipped, it will also unlock the boot.
It's important to note that a car key fob is not like the traditional key that you may have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that has to be properly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt cutting your own fob. It is best to leave the cutting and programming of your fobs to experts.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have an internal key that folds into it, similar to a switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be hidden away when it's not being used. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, that appear like regular-sized keys.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob when you lose it. It may require specialized tools or a trip to a dealership. Dealers can often only provide a key fob that is compatible with your car. The dealer has the technical knowledge to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
The process of getting a replacement key fob can be quite simple if have the right information. You'll be required to know the car's year of manufacture, year of manufacture, and model. Also, you should have a working spare key that you can bring with you.
Gather cut and program car keys Before you begin to program your keyfob, review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the correct tools and equipment. You will need to enter a special mode that could involve turning the ignition on and off a certain number of times, pressing specific buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers may even signal entry into programming mode by sound or flashing light.
You can bring your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it cut and programmed. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs at a the lower cost than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer so you don't have to rush to work to have your key fob programmed and cut.