Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting keys for cars involves more than simply bending a piece metal. It's a technique that provides security, convenience, and peace 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 particular model and make. 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 dates back to the beginning of automobile locks. They have a pattern of ridges and grooves cut into them that line up with the pins in the lock to unlock it. Hardware stores are able to copy mechanical keys, however locksmiths who have the right tools will be able to make copies that are more durable and work inside 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 more difficult to make a copy and, if someone attempts to grind the key, they'll likely leave behind a large amount of metal pieces that won't fit into your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an additional layer of security. These keys have a small chip in their head that transmits information to your car to ensure it's genuine keys. If the chip on the key of your car is not matched, your car will not start. Keys that are programmed to be more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the newest technology in car keys. They are a combination of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can open and start your car with this key, and do it by remote. A professional auto locksmith on the move can create smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in just a few minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best option to purchase an alternative mechanical key for a lost or damaged one. Most hardware stores do not have the equipment or highly-trained experts to create a key that works well in your car. You will save money and be more secure if you delegate the design of your key to an expert.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more costly to produce than standard key blanks but offer an additional layer of security for your car. Lasers are used to carve them from the middle, allowing them to be inserted into the lock on either end and still work. They also have a unique pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and smaller grooves can help you distinguish a laser-cut from a bladed traditional key. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car because the key is harder to turn. Keys with this design are less likely to get caught in the lock, since they have more precise cutting.
When you insert a laser-cut keys into your lock it transmits a signal to the car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This 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 register it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been utilized in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive to produce than standard keys and require special equipment, but they provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and easily at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
Depending on the model of your car depending on the model, you might need to have a transponder chip programmed into the ignition to get it working. You cannot do this yourself, and car dealerships charge a lot to do it. A reputable locksmith will be able program your transponder, however they might not have the same experience as the 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 with the ignition system, allowing it to verify the key prior to beginning the engine. Even if the thief is capable of stealing and copying the key, they will not be able to start the car because the engine will not start in the event that the code isn't valid.
Transponder Keys
Nearly every car manufactured in the past 20 years or so will have an embedded transponder chip within it. These are radio transmitters that stop your car from being started without the right keys. This was a significant breakthrough in the fight against car theft as thieves had developed many ways to start cars using brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch with flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was a solution to all of this since it allowed the car to be turned on for a short period of time and also registered that there was a key present.
A normal transponder will appear like a metal key with an outer cover made of plastic. The plastic top houses the transponder that will send an alert to your car whenever the key is near enough. This signal has the digital serial number that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals match the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is one of the most effective methods of anti-theft technology a car manufacturer has implemented since it has made car theft nearly impossible for anyone who doesn't have a valid keys.
There are a few different kinds of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, based on the model. Some are equipped with a traditional transponder chip that is housed in the head of the key. Others have a remote key fob which includes the key transponder. Key fobs often have buttons that allow you to lock/unlock the car or set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you acquire an updated transponder key to your car and can even program it for you, if needed. The process is typically simple and requires only the following steps. The new key must be cut using a key cutter. This can be done at any auto shop. The transponder keys that are blank will then have to be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process usually takes just 10 minutes.
replacement car key cutting 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 unlock the doors, or start the motor. It can also open the trunk, if it is equipped.
It's important to note that the car key fob isn't like the traditional metal key you've got on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to work with your specific vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob on your own. It's best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to professionals.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some feature an internal key that folds into it, much like a switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be tucked away when it's not in use. You can find fobs without the foldable feature, which appear like regular-sized keys.
If you lose your key fob, it could be a major pain to get an alternative. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers typically only offer a key fob that is compatible with your model. The dealer has the technical expertise to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's security system.
Fortunately, the process of getting an entirely new key fob is relatively simple when you have the right information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Take with you a spare key that works.
Gather the necessary tools: Before attempting to program your key fob, read the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure that you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a particular mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition a certain number times or a combination. Some manufacturers may even employ a flashing light or a 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 save you time and money because we cut your key fobs for less 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.