Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting car keys involves more than just bending a piece metal. It's a skill that offers security and ease of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting technique for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys takes just about a minute and is much less expensive than purchasing new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest type of car key and date back to the early days of automotive locks. They have a pattern that matches the pins of the lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied at the majority of hardware stores, but a professional locksmith with the right tools will generally be more successful in making copies that are more durable and can work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith will also be able to create laser cut keys. These are more secure than traditional mechanical key due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it harder to copy the key and if someone uses a grinder to attempt to do so they'll likely leave some metal pieces that will not fit in your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an additional layer of security. They have a tiny chip in the head that communicates to your car, so it can verify that it's authentic keys. If the chip inside your key isn't matched to your vehicle it will not begin and remain in a standstill. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than a mechanical key and require expert cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the most recent technology in car keys. These are a combination between a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can open and start your vehicle with this key, and do it via remote. A professional auto locksmith mobile can create smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in a matter of minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Many people believe that they can get a replacement for their damaged or lost mechanical key at hardware stores but this is not an appropriate method. Most chains don't have the proper equipment or highly skilled experts to make an authentic key that will work well in your vehicle. You'll save money as well as be more secure if you delegate the making of the key to professionals.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive than standard blanks however, they provide an extra security layer to your car. g28carkeys are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be put in the lock on either side and still work. They also have a distinct pattern and are harder to duplicate.
The thicker shank with fewer grooves will help you distinguish a laser-cut from a traditional bladed key. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car because the key is harder to turn. The keys are less likely to get stuck in the lock as they have a more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut key in your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the car's receiver. This signals the car that it's the correct key and allows it to start. If a criminal gets their hands on an unauthorised key, the vehicle's transmitter will not register it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s and are used in many luxury cars. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment, but they provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and easily at a reasonable price if you lose it.
Depending on the car you drive 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 significant amount to do it. A reliable locksmith will be able programme your transponder, but they may not have the same experience as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of most newer vehicles to add an additional layer of security. These chips are synchronized with your car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the keys before making the motor start. Even if a thief is able to steal and duplicate the key, they won't be able to use it to start the car since the engine won't start if the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Most cars built in the past 20 years or so will have an embedded transponder chip within it. These are radio transmitters that can keep your car from starting without the correct key installed. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft as thieves had discovered a myriad of ways to start vehicles through brute force (pushing the ignition switch with the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the solution to all of this, because it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short amount of time and also registered that there was a key in place.
A standard transponder key will look much like a standard metal key with a plastic top. This plastic top houses the actual transponder, which will send the signal to your car when the key is close enough. This signal contains a digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder that is inside your car. If the signals are compatible the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is the most effective anti-theft technology the car manufacturer can employ because it makes car theft impossible for anyone who does not have a valid key.
There are a variety of kinds of transponder keys that can be used 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 for the key. Key fobs typically come with buttons that allow you to lock/unlock the car or set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help get you a new transponder to your vehicle and can even program it if you need to. This procedure is usually straightforward and involves only the following steps. The new key needs to be cut using a key cutter. This can be done at any auto shop. The transponder keys that are blank must then be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process usually takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have an electronic remote keyless system that requires a fob. The fob is used to send a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. If equipped, it can also unlock the boot.
It's important to note that the car key fob isn't like the typical metal key you might have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob by yourself. It is always advisable to bring your fob to a professional for cutting and programming.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some have an internal key that folds into 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 look more like a regular key, without the foldable key.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob when you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a visit to the dealer. Dealers can often only provide a key fob that is compatible with your model. The dealer has the technical knowledge to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining the new key fob you want is fairly simple if you have the correct information. You'll need to know your car's year of manufacture, year of manufacture, and model. Bring along a spare key that works.
Make sure you have the required equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob, go through the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the right tools and equipment. You'll be required to enter a particular mode, which may require pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off a certain number times or the combination of. Some manufacturers might even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
You can take your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be cut and programmed. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs for the lower cost than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open later than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.