Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting involves more than just bending a piece metal. It's a skill that provides security and ease of mind to car owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting method for your model and make. The process of cutting keys takes just about a minute and is much less expensive than purchasing a new car key at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic form of car key and date back to the beginning of automobile locks. These keys have patterns that match the pin settings of a lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied at most hardware stores, but a professional locksmith with the right tools will usually be more successful in making copies that are more durable and work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also capable of making laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides. This makes it harder to copy the key and if someone uses grinders to try to do so they'll likely end up leaving some metal pieces that will not fit in the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an extra layer of security. They have a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it is authentic. If the chip in your key isn't matched to your vehicle, it will not start and will remain unresponsive. These keys are more expensive than a mechanical one and require professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the newest evolution in car keys. They're a mix of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your vehicle with the key, and allows you to do this from a distance. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option for a new mechanical key to replace a lost or damaged one. Most chains do not have the right equipment or highly skilled professionals to make an excellent key that will work well in your vehicle. It is better to leave the design of your key to a professional and you'll save money in the end by choosing this option.
key cut place cut keys are more costly to produce than standard key blanks but provide an additional layer of security for your car. They are carved from the middle using a laser which allows them to be inserted in the lock on either side, and work. They have a unique design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and less grooves will allow you to identify a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This means that the key is more difficult to turn than a standard key, making it more difficult for thieves to open your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. They are also less likely to get stuck in locks 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 which matches its unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the correct key and it can be used to start. If a thief does manage to obtain an unauthorized copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours an experienced locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and at an affordable price.
You may need to have the transponder chip programmed in your key based on the car you own. It's not something you can do yourself, and dealers charge a lot to do it. A reputable locksmith will be able to program your transponder on your behalf however they might not have the same degree of expertise as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of a majority of newer vehicles to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system and permit it to confirm that the key is authentic before allowing the engine to start. Even if a burglar is able to steal the key and duplicate it, they won't be capable of using it to start your car as the engine will refuse to start if it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in the majority of cars manufactured in the last 20 years. These are essentially radio transmitters that stop your car from starting without the proper key in place. This was a major innovation in the fight against auto theft because thieves had found a lot of methods to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch with a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). 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 genuine key in place.
A normal transponder key will appear like a normal metal key with a transparent top. The plastic top houses the transponder, which will send an alert to your car when the key is close enough. The signal is comprised of an electronic serial number that is identical to the original transponder that is inside your car. If the signals are compatible, your car will allow you to operate it. This is among the best forms of anti-theft technology manufacturers of cars have implemented as it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for those who do not have a valid keys.
There are a variety of kinds of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some keys include a transponder chip in the head. Others come with remote keys that includes the transponder of the key. Key fobs usually include buttons that can lock/unlock your car, set the alarm, and many other functions.
A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder for your vehicle and will program it if needed. The process is generally easy and requires only several steps. First, the new key has to be cut using a regular metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any automotive store. Then, the blank transponder key must be programmed to your specific vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The programming process is usually extremely quick and takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have an electronic keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob is used to send the vehicle a signal to unlock the doors, or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if it is equipped.
It is important to keep in mind that a car key fob is not like the traditional key that you may have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob on your own. It's best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs to experts.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have keys that fold inside it, similar to the switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be hidden away when it's not being used. You can also find fobs that appear more like the regular key, but without the foldable key.
It can be difficult to replace your key fob if you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealership. Often, dealers can only provide a fob that works with the specific model of your car. This is because the dealer has the technological expertise to make sure the replacement fob is compatible with the security system of your vehicle.
Fortunately, the process of getting an entirely new key fob is relatively simple when you have the right details. You'll need to know your car's year, make and model. Take with you a spare key that works.
Get the tools you need: Prior to beginning to program your key fob, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a specific mode, which may require pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition in a certain amount of times, or the combination of. Some manufacturers may even signal entry into programming mode by making a sound or flashing lights.
You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it programmed and cut. We'll save your time and money since we cut your key fobs for cheaper than the dealership. We are open earlier than the dealer so you don't have to rush to get your keyfob programmed and cut.