Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than shaping a piece of metal. It's a skill that provides security, convenience and peace of mind to vehicle 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 process takes only a few minutes and is less expensive than a replacement car key purchased from a dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car keys. They have a pattern of grooves and ridges carved into them that align with the pin settings in the lock that allows you to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied at many hardware stores, however an experienced locksmith with the right tools will typically have better success making copies that are more durable and will work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also able to make laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys because they have grooves on both sides. This makes it harder to make copies, and if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they will likely leave behind a large amount of metal pieces that won't fit into the lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented to add another layer of security. These keys have a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it is legitimate. If the chip in the key of your car is not properly matched, the car will not start. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than a mechanical one and require professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the newest technology in car keys. They're a combination of a traditional mechanical key and remote control. You can unlock and start your car using this key, and do it by remote. A mobile auto locksmith can make smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option for an alternative mechanical key for the one that has been damaged or lost. The majority of hardware stores don't have the tools or highly-trained experts to create an effective key that will work inside your vehicle. It is much safer to hand over the making of your key to a professional and you'll likely save money in the end by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys can be more expensive than regular blanks, however, they provide an extra layer of security to your car. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either end, and work. They also have a unique pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to tell a laser-cut key apart from traditional bladed keys by the wider shank with smaller grooves that have been carved. This means that the key is harder to turn than an ordinary key and makes it more difficult for thieves to open your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. These keys are less likely to get trapped in locks, since they have more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut key into your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the car's receiver. This signals the car that it is the right key, and that it is able to be started. If a thief does manage to obtain an unauthorised copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not register it and refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been used in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They cost more to make than regular keys and require special equipment, but they provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours an experienced locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and efficiently for a reasonable price.
It is possible that you will need the transponder chip programmed into your key based on the vehicle you drive. This isn't something you can do on your own and the majority of car dealerships will charge you an amount of money to perform the program for you. A good locksmith should be able to program your transponder on your behalf, although they may not have the same degree of expertise as your local dealer.
Most newer cars come with keys laser-cut that have transponder chips to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system and allow it to verify that the key is authentic before allowing the engine to start. Even if a thief manages to steal the key and copy it but isn't able to use it to start your car since the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in nearly all vehicles built in the past 20 years. These are radio transmitters which stop your car from being started without the correct keys. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against car theft as thieves had developed many methods to start cars with brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch with flat screwdrivers) 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 short period of time, while also registering that there was a valid key in place.
A regular transponder key will appear like a normal metal key, but with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the actual transponder, which will send a signal to your car when the key is near enough. This signal contains an electronic serial number that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals match then you'll be capable of operating your car. This is the most effective anti-theft technology the car manufacturer can employ as it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone with an authentic key.
There are a variety of types of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, based on the model. Some have the traditional transponder chip which is located inside the head of the key. Some also have a remote fob that contains the transponder of the key. Key fobs often have buttons that allow you to lock/unlock the car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you obtain a new transponder key for your vehicle and even program it for you, if necessary. This procedure is usually straightforward and only involves the following steps. The new key must be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be done at any car dealership. automotive key cutting near me will then need to be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The procedure of programming usually takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have a remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob is used to send a signal from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. If it's equipped, it can also open the boot.
Keep in mind that the car fob is different from the standard metal keys you've got on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that needs to be properly programmed to work with your specific vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob yourself. It's best to leave cutting and programming of your key fobs to professionals.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have an open key that can be folded inside, much like an ad-hoc switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and to be stored away when not being used. You can find fobs without the foldable feature that appear like regular-sized keys.
If you lose your key fob it can be a real trouble to obtain a replacement. It could require specialized tools or a trip to a dealership. Often, the dealer can only provide a fob that works with your specific model. car key cutting is because the dealer has the technological expertise to make sure the replacement fob is compatible with the security system of your vehicle.
The process of obtaining the replacement key fob you need can be quite simple if have the correct information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Bring along a spare key that is functional.
Gather the necessary tools: Before beginning to program your key fob, read the manual of the manufacturer to ensure you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a specific mode that might involve turning the ignition on and off for a certain amount of times, pressing specific buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers may even employ an illuminated light or sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
You can take your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it programmed and cut. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs at a 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 work to get your key fob cut and programmed.