Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cut ting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It's a skill that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to vehicle owners.
Bring your key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting technique for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys takes just about a minute and is less expensive than buying new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest form of car key and date back to the early days of automotive locks. They are made up of grooves and ridges carved into them that align with the pin settings in the lock to unlock it. Hardware stores are able to copy mechanical keys, but locksmiths with the right tools will be able to make copies that are more durable and work inside your car.
A professional locksmith can make keys that are laser-cut. These are more secure than a traditional mechanical key due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to duplicate, and if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they'll likely leave behind a large amount of metal scraps which will not fit into the lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were created as an additional layer of security. They have a tiny chip inside the head that communicates with your car so it knows it's a genuine key. If the chip in the key is not connected to your car it will not begin and remain in a standstill. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the most recent evolution in car keys. They're the result of combining the traditional mechanical key and remote control. This lets you unlock and start your vehicle with the key, and allows you to do so from a distance. A mobile professional auto locksmith can make smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in just a few minutes using the most advanced technology.
Many people think they can get an alternative for their lost or damaged mechanical key from a hardware store but this is not a safe practice. Most chains don't have the proper equipment or highly skilled professionals to make a quality key that can be used in your vehicle. It is safer to leave the creation of your key to a professional and you will most likely save money in the end by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys cost more to produce than standard key blanks but they provide a higher level of security for your car. Lasers are used to cut them from the middle, permitting them to be put into the lock on either end and still work. They have a unique pattern that is more difficult to duplicate.
You can tell a laser-cut key apart from traditional bladed keys due to the larger shank, which has smaller grooves that have been carved. This means the key is harder to turn than the standard key and makes it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. These keys are less likely to be caught in the lock, because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut keys into your lock, a unique signal is sent to the car's receiver. keys cut lets the car know it's the correct key, and it can be used to start. If a burglar does manage to steal an unauthorized copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and not start.
Laser-cut keys have been utilized in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive to produce than standard key blanks and require specialized equipment, but they provide an extra layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose one, an experienced locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and easily for an affordable price.
You might need to have the transponder chip programmed in your key, based on the vehicle you drive. This isn't something you can do by yourself and the majority of car dealerships will charge you an expense of a few hundred dollars to complete the task for you. A good locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder for you even though they may not have the same amount of experience as your local dealer.
The majority of newer vehicles come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips to add an extra layer of security. These chips are registered with your ignition system, allowing it to verify the key prior to making the motor start. Even if the person who stole it is able to steal and duplicate the key, they will not be able to start the car because the engine won't start when the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in nearly all vehicles built in the last 20 years. These are radio transmitters that stop your car from being started without the right keys. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft as thieves had developed many ways to start cars by brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using screwdrivers with flat blades) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the solution to all of this, as it only allowed the car to turn on for a brief period of time. It also verified that there was a key inside.
A normal transponder key will look much like a regular metal key, but with a plastic top. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder that will send a signal to your car when the key is within close proximity. This signal contains the digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals match the transponder, you'll be in a position to operate your vehicle. This is the most effective anti-theft technology the car manufacturer can employ because it makes car theft impossible for anyone with a valid key.
There are several kinds of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Some keys have a transponder chip in the head. Some have remote keys which includes the key transponder. Key fobs usually include buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your car, set the alarm, and other functions.
A locksmith can help you obtain an additional transponder key for your car and can even program it for you, should you require it. This process is usually fairly straightforward and only requires several steps. The new key must be cut using a key cutter. keys cut can be done at any car dealership. Then, the blank transponder key will need to be programmed for your specific vehicle by an experienced auto locksmith. The process of programming is generally fast and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have a remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob 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 is different from the conventional keys that you might have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that has to be programmed correctly to fit your specific vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt cutting your own fob. It is always recommended to bring your fob to a professional to cut and program it.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside, similar to a switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be hidden away when not in use. There are also fobs that resemble an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob it could be a major trouble to obtain a replacement. It may require specialized tools or a trip to the dealership. Often, the dealer can only provide a fob that works with the specific model of your car. This is because the dealer has the technological expertise to make sure the replacement fob works with the security system of your vehicle.
The process of obtaining an alternative key fob could be quite simple if have the correct information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your car. Bring with you a spare key that works.
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 necessary tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a particular mode that may require switching the ignition on and off for a certain amount of times, pressing certain buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers will even signal entry into programming mode by sound or flashing light.
You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs at a much more reasonable price than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open longer than the dealership so you don't need to rush off to cut your key fob and programmed.