Car key cutting is more than cutting a piece of metal. It's a skill that offers security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting method for your particular model and make. The key-cutting procedure takes only about a minute and is less expensive than buying a new car key at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car key. These keys have patterns that match the pins of the lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied at the majority of hardware stores, but a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will usually have better success making copies that are more durable and can work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also make keys that are laser-cut. 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 more difficult to duplicate the key, and if someone uses grinders to try to copy it, they'll likely leave some metal pieces that won't fit in your lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were created to add another layer of security. These keys have a small chip inside the head that communicates with your car so it knows it's authentic keys. If the chip in the key is not connected to your car it will not begin and will remain immobilised. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require a professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the most recent advancement in car keys. They're the result of combining a traditional mechanical key and remote control. You can open and start your vehicle with this key, and do it by remote. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your car in a matter of minutes using the most recent technology.
Many people may think that they can find a replacement for a damaged or lost mechanical key at the hardware store but this is not a safe practice. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled experts to make an authentic key that works in your vehicle. It is safer to hand over the making of your key to a professional, and you will most likely save money in the end by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to make than standard key blanks but offer an additional layer of security for your car. Lasers are used to carve keys from the middle, permitting them to be put into the lock at either end, and work. They have a unique pattern and are more difficult to duplicate.
You can tell a laser-cut key apart from traditional bladed keys by the larger shank, which has less grooves carved. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car because the key is harder to turn. Keys with this design are less likely to be trapped in locks, because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut key in your lock, a unique signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This signals the car that it is the right key, and it can be used to start. If a criminal manages to get their hands onto an unauthorized key, the vehicle transmitter will not be able to recognize it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys have been used in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require special equipment to create, but they provide an extra layer security for your vehicle. If you lose yours an experienced locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and easily for a reasonable price.
It is possible that you will need the transponder chip installed in your key based on the vehicle you own. It's not something you can do yourself, and dealers charge a lot for it. A good locksmith will be able program your transponder, however they might not have as much expertise as the local dealer.
Transponder chips are included in the keys of a majority of newer vehicles to provide an extra layer security. These chips are registered with the car's ignition system, which allows it to verify the keys before starting the motor. Even if the person who stole it is capable of stealing and copying the key, they will not be able to start the car because the engine will not start if the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in almost all cars built in the past 20 years. These are radio transmitters which make sure your car isn't started without the right keys. This was a significant breakthrough in the fight against car theft as thieves had developed many methods to start cars with brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip was the solution to all of this, as it only allowed the car to turn on for a short period of time and also registered that there was a key present.
A regular transponder will look like a metal key with a top made of plastic. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder which will send a message to your car when the key is close to. This signal has an electronic serial number which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals are compatible the transponder, you'll be capable of operating your car. This is the best anti-theft system that an automaker can put in place as it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without a valid key.
Depending on the model, there are several different kinds of transponder keys that are available. Certain keys come with an embedded transponder in the head. Some have an electronic key fob which includes the transponder for the key. Key fobs typically include buttons that can lock/unlock your vehicle or set the alarm and many other functions.
key cutting car can help get you a new transponder to your vehicle and will program it if needed. This process is usually fairly simple and involves a few steps. First, the new key needs to be cut with a regular metal key cutter, which can usually be done at any automotive store. The transponder keys that are blank will then need to be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The procedure of programming usually takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have a remote keyless system that requires a fob. The fob's key sends a signal to your vehicle to unlock doors or start the engine. It can also open the trunk, provided it's equipped.
Remember that the car fob differs from the standard metal keys that you might have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob on your own. It's always best to bring your fob to a professional for cutting and programming.
Fobs are usually 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 tucked away when not in use. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, that look like a regular-sized key.
It may be difficult to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It may require specialized tools or a trip to a dealership. Often, the dealer can only offer a fob compatible with the specific model of your car. The dealer has the technical knowledge to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
The process of finding an alternative key fob could be relatively simple if you have the correct information. For starters, you need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. Bring along a spare key that is functional.
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'll be required to enter a specific mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons and turning the ignition off or on in a certain amount of times, or the combination of. Certain manufacturers may also signal entry into programming mode by sound or flashing lights.
You can take your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it cut and programmed. We can save you time and money as we cut your key fobs for a lower price than the dealership. We are open later than the dealership and you won't have to rush to work to get your keyfob programmed and cut.
