Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cut ting is more than shaping a piece of metal. It's a skill 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 appropriate key cutting technique for your model and make. The process of cutting keys is just a few minutes and is less expensive than buying a new car key purchased from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car key. They have a pattern that matches the pins of the lock to open it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, however locksmiths with the right tools can make copies that are more durable and will work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also be able to create laser cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys because they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to make a copy, and if someone tries to grind the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces that will not fit in your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an additional layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip in the head that communicates with your car to ensure it's a genuine key. If the chip in the key is not connected to your car it will not be able to start and remain in a standstill. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than a mechanical one and require professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the most recent evolution in car keys. They are a combination of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can unlock and start your car using this key, and do it remotely. A mobile auto locksmith can make smart keys for your car in minutes using the latest technology.
Many people believe that they can get a replacement for their damaged or lost mechanical key from hardware stores, but this is not a safe practice. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly trained professionals to be able to create an authentic key that works in your vehicle. It is safer to hand over the making of your key to a professional, and you will most likely save money in the long run by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys cost more to make than standard key blanks but offer an additional layer of security for your car. They are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either side, and work. They also have a different pattern and are harder to duplicate.
The wider shank and less grooves will allow you to distinguish a laser-cut from a bladed traditional key. This means the key is harder to turn than the standard key and makes it more difficult for thieves to open your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. Keys with this design are less likely to get trapped in locks, since they have more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut keys inside your lock, a unique signal is sent to the car's receiver. This lets the car know that it is the right key and can be started. If a burglar does manage to obtain an unauthorised copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and refuse to 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 special equipment to make, but they provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and at a reasonable price if you lose it.
It is possible that you will need the transponder chip programmed in your key based on the car 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 complete the task for you. A good locksmith can programme your transponder, but they might not have the same experience as your local dealer.
The majority of modern cars have laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system and allow it to confirm that the key is authentic before allowing the engine to start. Even if a burglar manages to steal the key and copy it but isn't able to use it to start your car because the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Nearly every car manufactured in the past 20 years or therefore will have a transponder chip inside of it. These are essentially radio transmitters that prevent your car from starting if you don't have the correct key in place. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft as thieves had discovered a myriad 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 a solution to all of this, since it allowed the car to turn on for a brief period of time and also registered that there was a key present.
A normal transponder keys will look like a regular metal key with a transparent top. The plastic top houses the actual transponder, which will send the signal to your car whenever the key is near enough. This signal contains an electronic serial number that matches the original transponder in your car. If the signals match then you'll be in a position to operate your vehicle. This is one of the most effective methods of anti-theft technology that the car manufacturer has put in place since it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for anyone who does not have a valid keys.
Depending on the model, there are several different kinds of transponder keys that are available. Some of them have a traditional transponder chip that is located inside the head of the key. Others have remote keys which includes the transponder of the key. Key fobs typically have buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your car or set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you acquire an additional transponder key for your car, and can program it for you, should you require it. The process is typically simple and requires only a few simple steps. The new key has to be cut using a key cutter. This can be accomplished at any auto shop. Then, the blank transponder key will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The procedure of programming usually takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have the remote keyless system which requires fob. The fob is used to send an alert from your vehicle to unlock the doors or start the motor. If equipped, it can also open the boot.
It's important to remember that a car key fob is not like the traditional metal key that you may have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt cutting your own fob. It's always best to bring your key fob to a professional to cut and program it.
Fobs are usually 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 tucked away when it's not being used. There are also fobs that appear more like an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob when you lose it. It may require special tools or a visit to the dealer. Usually, the dealer will only provide a fob that works with your specific model. The dealer has the technical knowledge to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's security system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining an entirely new key fob is relatively simple when you have the correct information. First, you have to know the year, model and year of your car. Also, you should have a spare key to bring along.
Get the tools you need: Prior to attempting to program your key fob, make sure you read the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a specific mode that may require turning the ignition on and off a certain number of times, pressing certain buttons or a combination of both. Some manufacturers will even signal the entry into programming mode with a sound or flashing light.
You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be programmed and cut. We can save you time and money because we cut your key fobs at less than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer and you won't have to rush to work in order to get your keyfob programmed and cut.