automotive key cutting 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 convenience as well as peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting procedure for your particular model and make. The process of cutting keys is only a few minutes and is much less costly than purchasing a new car key purchased from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic kind of car keys and dates back to the beginning of locking mechanisms for automobiles. These keys have patterns that match the pins of the lock to open it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, however locksmiths who have the right tools can create copies that are more durable and will work in your car.
A professional locksmith will also be able to create laser cut keys. These are more secure than traditional mechanical key since they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to make a copy or if someone tries to use a grinder on the key, they'll likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces that won't fit into your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an additional layer of security. They have an embedded chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to inform it that it is legitimate. If the chip inside the car's key isn't properly matched, the vehicle will not start. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the newest technology in car keys. These are a combination between keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. You can unlock and start your vehicle with this key and do so by remote. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the most recent technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best option to purchase an alternative mechanical key for the one that has been damaged or lost. Most chains don't have the proper equipment or highly trained professionals to make an excellent key that will work well in your vehicle. You'll save money and be more secure if you delegate the creation of the key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys cost more to produce than standard key blanks but offer an additional layer of security for your vehicle. Lasers are used to cut them from the middle, which allows them to be inserted into the lock at either end, and work. They also have a different pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
The thicker shank with less grooves will allow you to discern a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car since the key is more difficult to turn. These keys are less likely to get caught in the lock, since they have more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut key into your lock, a unique signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This signals the car that it's the correct key, and allows it to start. If a thief does manage to steal an unauthorized copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not register it and not start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive to make than regular keys and require specialized equipment, but they do add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours, an experienced locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and easily for a reasonable price.
It is possible that you will need the transponder chip programmed in your key depending on the car you own. You cannot do this by yourself, and dealerships charge a significant amount to do it. A good locksmith can program your transponder, but they may not have the same expertise as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are included in the keys of most newer cars to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are synchronized with your ignition system, allowing it to verify the key before beginning the engine. Even if the person who stole it is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they will not be able use it to start the car as the engine will not start when the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in the majority of cars manufactured within the last 20 years. These are essentially radio transmitters that stop your car from starting if you don't have the correct key in place. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft because thieves had discovered a variety of ways to start vehicles with 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 this because it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short time while also registering that there was a genuine key in the ignition.
A regular transponder will look like a key made of metal with an outer cover made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder, which will send a signal to your car when the key is near enough. This signal has a serial number digital that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible, your car will allow you to operate it. This is the most effective anti-theft technology a car manufacturer can implement as it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without an official key.
Based on the model, there are different kinds of transponder keys that are available. Some have an old-fashioned transponder chip that is located in the head of the key. Others have an electronic key fob that has the transponder of the key. The key fobs will often have buttons on them which allow you to lock and unlock your car, set the alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help get you a new transponder to your vehicle, and even programme it if required. This process is usually simple and only involves the following steps. The new key must be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any car dealership. Then, the blank transponder keys will need to be programmed for your particular vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The programming process usually takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have a remote keyless system that requires fob. The fob sends a signal to your vehicle to open doors or start the engine. It can also open the trunk, if equipped.
It's important to remember that a 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 needs to be correctly programmed to work with your specific vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt cutting your own fob. It is best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to professionals.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have a key that can be folded inside, similar to an ad-hoc switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and compact when not in use. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature that look like a regular-sized key.
If you lose your key fob, it can be a real hassle to find an alternative. It may require specialized tools or a trip to the dealership. Usually, the dealer will only provide a fob that works with your specific model. The dealer has the expertise to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
Fortunately, the process of getting an entirely new key fob is relatively simple when you have the right details. You will have to know your car's year, make and model. Take along a spare key that is functional.
Get the necessary equipment Before you begin to program your keyfob, check the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the correct tools and equipment. You will need to enter a particular mode that may require turning the ignition on and off at a specific number of times, pressing specific buttons or a combination of both. Some manufacturers will even signal entry into programming mode by sound or flashing light.
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 for an affordable cost than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open later than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.