Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting involves more than simply bending a piece metal. It's a skill that offers security, convenience and peace 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 method for your particular model and make. The key-cutting procedure takes only a few minutes and is less expensive than buying new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the simplest kind of car key. They are made up of grooves and ridges cut into them that line up with the pins in a specific lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at the majority of hardware stores, but an experienced locksmith with the right tools will typically have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and can work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith will also be capable of creating laser cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys because they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to copy the key and if someone is using a grinder to attempt to duplicate the key they'll likely end up leaving some metal pieces that will not fit into the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an additional layer of security. These keys contain an embedded chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to let it know it is authentic. If the chip in the key is not connected to your car it will not be able to start and will remain immobilised. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than a mechanical key and require a professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the newest evolution in car keys. They are the result of combining the traditional mechanical key and a remote control. You can unlock and start your car using this key and operate it by remote. A professional auto locksmith on the move can make smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best option for a replacement mechanical key for damaged or lost keys. The majority of hardware stores do not have the equipment or highly-trained professionals to create keys that work in your vehicle. You will save money and be safer if you leave the making of the key to professionals.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys can be more expensive than standard blanks however, they provide an extra security layer to your car. They are carved from the middle using a laser which allows them to be put into the lock from either side and still function. They have a distinctive pattern that is more difficult to duplicate.
You can distinguish a key made of lasers from traditional bladed keys due to the wider shank with smaller grooves that have been carved. This means the key is more difficult to turn than the standard key and makes it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your car without a lot of time and effort. They are also less likely to become stuck in the lock since they are more precise cut.
When you insert the laser-cut key into your lock, a unique signal is sent to the car's receiver. This lets the car know that it's the right key and can be used to start. If a burglar does manage to obtain an unauthorized copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been used in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment them, but they offer an additional layer of security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and easily at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
It is possible that you will need the transponder chip installed in your key, based on the vehicle you drive. You can't do this yourself, and car dealerships charge a lot to do it. A reliable locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder for you even though they may not have the same amount of experience as the dealer you are dealing with.
Transponder chips are included in the keys of a majority of newer cars to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with the car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the key before making the motor start. Even if a thief succeeds in stealing the key and duplicate it however, they will not be capable of using it to start your car as the engine won't start when it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in nearly all vehicles built in the last 20 years. These are radio transmitters that stop your car from starting if you don't have the correct key in place. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft as thieves had come up with a variety of ways to start cars by brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using screwdrivers with flat blades) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip was able to solve the problem since it would only allow the car to start for a brief period of time while also registering that there was a genuine key in the ignition.
A regular transponder keys will look like a regular metal key with a transparent top. The plastic top houses the actual transponder, which will send a signal to your car when the key is in close proximity. The signal is an electronic serial number that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is one of the most effective forms of anti-theft technologies that a car manufacturer has implemented as it has made car theft nearly impossible for anyone who does not have a valid key.
Depending on the model, there are several different types of transponder key that can be used. Some have the traditional transponder chip which is housed in the head of the key. Some have an accessory fob that houses the transponder of the key. Key fobs typically include buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your vehicle or set the alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you acquire an updated transponder key to your car, and can program it for you, if necessary. The process is typically simple and involves only the following steps. First, the new key will need to be cut with the standard metal key cutter, which can be done at any automotive store. Then, the transponder key must be programmed for your specific vehicle by an experienced auto locksmith. The process of programming typically takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have a remote keyless system that requires fob. The fob sends an electronic signal to the vehicle to unlock doors or start the engine. It also opens the trunk, provided it's equipped.
Be aware that a car fob is different from the traditional metal keys you may have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that has to be correctly programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. It is not recommended to cut your key fob by yourself. It is best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to experts.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside it, much like a switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and tucked away when not being used. You can find fobs without the foldable feature that look like normal-sized keys.
If you lose your key fob, it can be a huge trouble to obtain replacement. It may require specialized tools or a trip to a dealer. Dealers usually only offer the key fob that is compatible with your car. The dealer has the technical expertise to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
nearest key cutting of finding a replacement key fob can be fairly simple if you have the correct details. First, you have to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Bring along a spare key that works.
Get the necessary equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob check the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure you have the correct tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a special mode that may require turning the ignition off and on at a specific number of times, pressing certain buttons or a combination of both. Some manufacturers will even signal the entry into programming mode by making a sound or flashing lights.
After you've gathered all the necessary materials, you'll be able to bring your key fob to the nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can save you time and money because we cut your key fobs at cheaper than the dealership. In addition, we are open later than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to get your key fob cut and programmed.