Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than creating a metal piece. It's an art form that guarantees security and ease of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting technique for your make and model. The process of cutting keys is just a few minutes and is cheaper than buying a new car key purchased from a dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car key. They are made with an arrangement that is in line with the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied from most hardware stores, but a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will typically have better success making copies that are more durable and will work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also be capable of making laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to duplicate the key, and, if someone uses a grinder to attempt to duplicate the key they'll likely end up leaving behind metal scraps which will not fit into the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an extra layer of security. These keys have a small chip in the head that communicates to your car so it knows it's genuine keys. If the chip inside your key is not matched to your car, it will not start and remain in a standstill. These keys are more expensive than a mechanical one and require a professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the latest advancement in car keys. These are a combination between a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can open and start your car using this key and operate it by remote. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Many people think they can get an alternative for their damaged or lost mechanical key from the hardware store however this isn't an appropriate method. The majority of hardware stores don't have the tools or highly-trained professionals to make keys that work in your vehicle. You'll save money and be more secure if you delegate the making of the key to an expert.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys may be more expensive than standard blanks, however they add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. Lasers are used to cut them from the middle, which allows them to be inserted into the lock at either side and still function. They also have a different pattern and are harder to duplicate.
The thicker shank with smaller grooves can help you identify a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car since the key is harder to turn. These keys are also less likely to get stuck in the lock since they have a more precise cut.
When you insert a laser-cut keys into your lock it transmits a signal to the car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. automotive key cutting informs the car that it's the correct key and it can be used to start. If a burglar gets their hands onto an unauthorized key, the car's transmitter will not register it. It will be unable to start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment them, but they offer an extra layer security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and at a reasonable cost if you lose it.
Depending on your car it may be necessary to have a transponder chip programmed into the ignition to get it working. It's not something you can do by yourself, and dealerships charge a lot to do it. A reliable locksmith will be able program your transponder, but they might not have the same experience as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of many newer vehicles to provide an extra layer security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system, allowing it to check that the key is genuine before starting the engine. Even if a thief is able to steal the key and duplicate it however, they will not be in a position to start your car since the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Nearly every car manufactured in the past 20 years or so will have a transponder chip inside of it. These are radio transmitters which stop your car from being started without the right keys. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft because thieves had discovered a myriad of ways to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch with the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve all of that as it would only allow the car to start for a short time, but also verify that there was a valid key in the ignition.
A regular transponder keys will look like a standard metal key with a transparent top. This plastic top contains the actual transponder that will transmit a signal to your car once the key is in close proximity. This signal contains a serial number digital that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals match then you'll be able to operate your car. This is the best anti-theft technology the car manufacturer can employ because it makes car theft impossible for anyone with an official key.
There are several types of transponder keys which can be used in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some keys include a transponder chip inside the head. Some include a remote fob which houses the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs usually come with buttons that allow you to lock/unlock the car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you acquire a new transponder key for your vehicle and even program it for you, should you require it. This procedure is usually straightforward and requires only just a few steps. The first step is that the new key has to be cut using a regular metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any automotive store. The blank transponder keys will then have to be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process usually takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have the remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob transmits an alert from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. If it's equipped, it can also open the boot.
Remember that the car fob is different from the conventional keys you've got on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that needs to be correctly 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 fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some come with keys that fold inside it, much like a switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and to be stored away when not in use. There are also fobs that look more like a regular key, without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob, it can be a huge hassle to find a replacement. It may require special tools or a trip to a dealer. Dealers can often only provide an item that is compatible with your model. The dealer has the technical knowledge to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
The process of getting the replacement key fob you need can be relatively simple if you have the correct details. For starters, you need to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. You should also have a spare key to bring along.
Gather 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'll have to enter a specific mode that may require turning the ignition on and off at a specific number of times, pressing specific buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers will even signal entry into programming mode by making a sound or light flash.
Once you've collected the necessary materials, you'll be able to bring your key fob to your nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. 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 cut your key fob and programmed.