Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's an art form that guarantees security and ease of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting procedure for your car's make and model. The process of cutting keys takes a matter of minutes and is much less costly than purchasing a new car key purchased from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the most basic kind of car key. They have a pattern of grooves and ridges carved into them that align with the pin settings in a specific lock to unlock it. Hardware stores are able to copy mechanical keys, however a locksmith with the proper tools will be able to make copies that are more durable and will work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can make keys that are laser-cut. These are more secure than a traditional mechanical key because they feature grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to duplicate the key, and if someone is using a grinder to try to copy it 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 have a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to let it know it is authentic. If the chip on your car's key is not matched, your vehicle will not start. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the most recent evolution in car keys. They are an amalgamation of a traditional mechanical key and a remote control. You can unlock and start your car using this key and do so via remote. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your car in minutes using the latest technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best option for a replacement mechanical key for damaged or lost keys. Most chains do not have the right equipment or highly skilled professionals to make an authentic key that will work well in your vehicle. You'll save money and be safer if you leave the creation of the key to an expert.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys cost more to produce than standard keys, but they provide a higher level of security for your car. They are carved from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be put into the lock on either side and still function. They also have a different pattern and are harder to duplicate.
The longer shank that is thicker and has smaller grooves can help you discern a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car because the key is more difficult to turn. Keys with this design are also less likely to become stuck in the lock because they are more precise cut.
When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock, it transmits a signal to the car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This lets the car know it's the correct key, and can be started. If a criminal manages to get their hands onto an unauthorized key, the vehicle transmitter will not be able to recognize it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s and are now used in many luxury cars. They are more expensive to produce than standard keys and require special equipment, but they do add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and easily at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
Depending on the car you drive, you may need to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to get it to work. This isn't something you can do on your own and the majority of car dealers will charge an amount of money to complete the task for you. A reputable locksmith should be able to program your transponder for you however they might not have the same amount of experience as your local dealer.
The majority of newer vehicles come with laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips that provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system, allowing it to check that the key is legitimate before allowing the engine to start. Even if a thief is able to steal the key and duplicate it, they won't 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
Nearly every car manufactured in the past 20 years or that's why it has a transponder chip in it. These are radio transmitters which make sure your car isn't started without the right keys. This was a major 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 screwdrivers with flat blades) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip solved all of that as it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short period of time, while also registering that there was a valid key in the ignition.
A normal transponder key will appear like a regular metal key with a transparent top. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder which will transmit a signal to your car once the key is in close proximity. This signal has a serial number digital which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals match, your car will allow you to operate it. This is the most effective anti-theft technology a car manufacturer can implement because it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone with a valid key.
There are a variety of types of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, based on the model. Some keys include an embedded transponder in the head. Some include a remote fob that contains the transponder of the key. Key fobs often include buttons that permit you to lock/unlock the car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get an additional transponder key for your vehicle and even program it for you, if needed. The process is generally easy and requires only several steps. First, the new key has to be cut with the standard metal key cutter, which can be done in any automotive store. Then, the transponder key will need to be programmed for your particular vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The process of programming typically takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars come with an electronic remote keyless system that 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 unlock the boot.
It's important to remember that a car key fob is not like the traditional metal key you might have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that has to be properly programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. This is why you shouldn't attempt cutting your own fob. It is always recommended to bring your key fob to a professional for cutting and programming.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have a key that can be folded inside, like an ad-hoc switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and to be stored away when not being used. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, that appear like regular-sized keys.
If you lost your key fob, it can be a huge hassle to find an alternative. It could require specialized tools or a trip to a dealer. Usually, the dealer will only provide a fob that is compatible with your specific model. The dealer has the technical expertise to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining a new key fob is fairly simple if you have the right details. You will need to know your car's year, make and model. Take along car keys cutting near me that is functional.
Get the necessary equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob, review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure you have the right tools and equipment. You will need to enter a particular mode that could involve switching the ignition on and off at a specific number of times, pressing certain buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers may even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the start of programming mode.
You can bring your key fob 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 for a much more reasonable price than the dealership. In addition, we are open longer than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to cut your key fob and programmed.