Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's a technique that offers security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting procedure for your vehicle's make and model. 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 early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car key. They are made with patterns that match the pin settings of a 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 in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can create laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to make copies or if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they will likely leave behind a large amount of metal scraps which will not fit into your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an additional layer of security. They have a tiny chip in the head that communicates with your car to ensure it's authentic keys. If the chip in the car's key isn't matched, your vehicle will not start. These keys are more expensive than a mechanical key and require a professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the most recent development in car keys. They're a mix of the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your car using the key, and allows you to do so from a distance. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your car in minutes using the latest technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option for an alternative mechanical key for damaged or lost keys. Most chains don't have the proper equipment or highly trained professionals to be able to create an authentic key that will work well in your vehicle. You'll save money and be more secure if you delegate the creation of the key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to make than standard keys, but provide an additional layer of security for your car. Lasers are used to carve them from the middle, which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either side and still function. They also have a unique design and are more difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to distinguish a key made of lasers from traditional bladed keys by the larger shank, which has smaller grooves that have been carved. cost of car key cutting makes the key harder to turn than the standard key, making it more difficult for thieves to open your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. These keys are less likely to be trapped in locks, as they have a more precise cutting.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock it sends a signal to the car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the right key, and it can be started. If a burglar does manage to obtain an unauthorised copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not register 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 extra layer security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and easily at a reasonable price if you lose it.
Depending on your car it may be necessary to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to allow it working. You cannot do this yourself, and dealers charge a lot to do it. A reputable locksmith will be able programme your transponder, but they may not have the same experience as your local dealer.
The majority of modern cars have laser-cut keys with transponder chips, which provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered with your ignition system, allowing it to verify the keys before starting the motor. Even if someone is able to steal the key and copy it but isn't in a position to start your car because the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in nearly all vehicles built in the past 20 years. They are basically radio transmitters that stop your car from starting without the correct key installed. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft because thieves had discovered a variety of methods 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 the solution to all of this, as it only allowed the car to turn on for a short period of time, and also confirmed that there was a key in place.
A standard transponder can look like a key made of metal with the top made of plastic. This plastic top houses the transponder, which will send an alert to your car whenever the key is close enough. The signal is the digital serial number which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals match the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is among the best forms of anti-theft technology that manufacturers of cars have implemented since it has made car theft nearly impossible for those who do not have a valid key.
Depending on the model, there are several different types of transponder key that can be used. Some keys include an embedded transponder in the head. Some have a remote fob which houses the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs typically have buttons on them that can lock/unlock your car and set the alarm and many 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 generally straightforward and only requires several steps. The first step is that the new key needs to be cut with the standard metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any automotive store. The transponder keys blanks must then be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming is generally fast and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have an electronic remote keyless system that requires fob. The key fob sends an alert from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. If it is equipped, it will also unlock the boot.
Keep in mind that the car fob is different from the standard metal keys you've got on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that needs to be properly programmed to work with your specific vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your own fob. It's always best to bring your key fob to a professional to cut and program it.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have a key that folds inside it, similar to the switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and compact when not in use. You can find fobs without the foldable feature, that look like a regular-sized key.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob when you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, dealers can only provide a fob that works 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.
The process of finding the replacement key fob you need can be fairly simple if you have the right information. You will need to know your car's year, make and model. Bring along a spare key that is functional.
Make sure you have the required equipment Before you begin to program your keyfob, review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the right tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a special mode that could involve turning the ignition off and on for a certain amount of times, pressing certain buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers may even signal entry into programming mode by making a sound or flashing light.
You can bring your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it programmed and cut. We can assist you in saving 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 have to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.