The art of cutting car keys involves more than simply bending a piece metal. It's an art form that guarantees security and ease of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting procedure for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys takes just few minutes and is less expensive than buying new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the simplest kind of car key. They are made up of grooves and ridges carved into them that line up with the pins in a specific lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied at many hardware stores, however an experienced locksmith 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 make keys that are laser-cut. They are more secure than a traditional mechanical key due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it more difficult to make copies, and if someone tries to use a grinder on the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces which will not fit into your lock.
In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed to provide an additional layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip in their head that transmits information to your car so it knows it's genuine keys. If the chip in your car's key is not matched, your vehicle will not start. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the newest evolution in car keys. They're a mix of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your vehicle with the key, and allows you to do this from an extended distance. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Many people may think that they can get an alternative for their lost or damaged mechanical key from the hardware store however this isn't a good idea. The majority of chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled experts to make an excellent key that can be used in your vehicle. It is safer to leave the design of your key to a professional, and you will most likely save money in the end by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys may be more expensive than standard blanks however, they provide an extra security feature to your vehicle. Lasers are used to carve keys from the middle permitting them to be put into the lock at either end, and work. They feature a distinct pattern and are more difficult to duplicate.
You can distinguish a key made of lasers from traditional bladed keys due to the larger shank, which has smaller grooves that have been carved. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car since the key is harder to turn. The keys are less likely to get stuck in the lock because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut key into your lock, a unique signal is sent to the car's receiver. This informs the car that it is the right key, and it can be used to start. If a burglar does manage to get their hands on an unauthorised copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and not start.
Laser-cut keys have been used in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment them, but they offer an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours, an experienced locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and efficiently for a reasonable price.
Depending on the car you drive, you may need to include a transponder chip into the ignition to get it working. It's not something you can do yourself, and dealers charge a lot for it. A good locksmith should be able to program your transponder for you, although they may not have the same degree of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with the car's ignition system, which allows it to verify the key prior to making the motor start. Even if a burglar is able to steal the key and duplicate it, they won't be able to use it to start your car as the engine will refuse to start if it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in nearly all vehicles built in the past 20 years. They are basically radio transmitters that stop your car from starting without the correct key in place. This was a major innovation in the fight against auto theft because thieves had found a lot 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 able to solve all of that as it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short time while also registering that there was a valid key in place.
A normal transponder will appear like a key made of metal with the top made of plastic. The plastic top houses the transponder that will send the signal to your car when the key is near enough. The signal is an electronic 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 best anti-theft system that an automaker can put in place as it makes car theft impossible for anyone with a valid key.
Depending on the model, there are several different types of transponder key that can be used. Some keys have a transponder chip inside the head. Some include a remote fob which houses the key transponder. Key fobs typically include buttons which allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set the alarm, and other functions.
A locksmith can help you get you a new transponder to your vehicle, and even program it if you need to. The process is typically simple and only involves just a few steps. The new key needs to be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any car dealership. The transponder keys that are blank must then be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process usually takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars come with the remote keyless system which requires a fob. The fob is used to send a signal from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, provided it's equipped.
It's important to note that a car key fob isn't like the typical metal key you've got on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. You should never try to cut your key fob by yourself. It is always recommended to take your key fob to an expert to cut and program it.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have a key that folds inside it, much like the switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and to be stored away when not in use. There are also car key cut that resemble an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
It may be difficult to replace your key fob if you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealership. Often, the dealer can only provide a fob that is compatible with the specific model of your car. The dealer has the technical expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
Fortunately, the process of getting the new key fob you want is fairly simple if you have the correct information. You will have to know your car's year, make and model. Also, you must have a working spare key with you to take along.
Gather the Necessary Equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob, check the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure you have the correct tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a particular mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off in a certain amount of times, or a combination. Certain manufacturers may also signal the entry into programming mode by sound or light flash.
After you've gathered all the necessary items, you can take your key fob into your closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs for an affordable cost than the dealership. In addition, we are open later than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.
