Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting car keys requires more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's a technique that offers security and ease of mind to car owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting method for your make and model. The process of cutting keys takes just a few minutes and is cheaper than purchasing a new car key purchased from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic type of car key and dates back to the beginning of automobile locks. These keys have a pattern that matches the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, but a locksmith with the proper tools can make copies that are more durable and can be used in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also make laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to duplicate, and if someone tries to grind the key, they'll likely leave behind a lot of metal scraps which will not fit into your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an extra layer of security. They have a tiny chip in their head that communicates to your car to ensure it's authentic keys. If the chip in the car's key isn't properly matched, the car will not start. Keys that are programmed to be more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the most recent technology in car keys. These are the result of combining traditional mechanical keys and a remote control. You can unlock and start your car using this key and do so by remote. A mobile auto locksmith can make smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the most recent technology.
Many people believe that they can find an alternative for their damaged or lost mechanical key from a hardware store, but this is not a safe practice. The majority of chains don't have the proper equipment or highly skilled experts to make an authentic key that works 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 can be more expensive than regular blanks, however they add an additional layer of security 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 also have a distinct design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and less grooves will allow you to identify a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes the key more difficult to turn than an ordinary key and makes it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your car without much time and effort. They are also less likely to become stuck in the lock because they are more precise cut.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock it transmits a signal to the car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the right key, and that it is able to be started. If a thief does manage to get their hands on an unauthorised copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are now used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive to make than regular key blanks and require specialized equipment, but they add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours an experienced locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and easily for an affordable price.
It is possible that you will need the transponder chip installed in your key, based on the car you own. It's not something you can do by yourself, and dealerships charge a lot to do it. A good locksmith will be able program your transponder, but they may not have the same experience than your local dealer.
Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips, which provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered with your car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the keys before making the motor start. Even if someone manages to steal the key and duplicate it however, they will not be able to use it to start your car since the engine will refuse to start if it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in the majority of cars manufactured in the past 20 years. These are essentially radio transmitters that can keep your car from starting without the correct key in place. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft as thieves had found a lot of ways to start cars with brute force (pushing the ignition switch with the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was a solution to all of this, since it allowed the car to be turned on for a brief period of time and also registered that there was a key in place.
A normal transponder keys will look like a standard metal key with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the actual transponder that will send an alert to your car whenever the key is close enough. This signal has a serial number digital which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals match the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is the best anti-theft technology a car manufacturer can implement since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without an official key.
Depending on the model, there are different kinds of transponder keys that can be used. Certain keys come with an embedded transponder in the head. Some have a remote fob that contains the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs often have buttons that allow you to lock/unlock the car or set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get a new transponder key for your car and can even program it for you, if necessary. This process is usually fairly straightforward and only requires a few steps. The first step is that the new key needs to be cut using the standard metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any auto retailer. Then, the blank transponder key must be programmed for your specific vehicle by an experienced auto locksmith. The process of programming typically takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have the remote keyless system which requires fob. The fob is used to send a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if equipped.
It's important to note that a car key fob is not like the traditional metal key that you may have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. That's why you should never attempt cutting your own fob. It is always advisable to take your key fob to a professional to cut and program it.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have keys that folds inside, much like an ad-hoc switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be put away when not in use. There are fobs without the foldable feature, which appear like regular-sized keys.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It may require specialized tools or a trip 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 the replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
The process of getting an alternative key fob could be fairly simple if you have the correct details. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Also, you should have a working spare key with you to take along.
Get the necessary equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob check the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the right tools and equipment. helpful hints will be required to enter a particular mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition in a certain amount of times, or some combination of these. Some manufacturers may even signal entry into programming mode by sound or light flash.
You can bring your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it cut and programmed. We can save you time and money because we cut your key fobs for a lower price than the dealership. In addition, we are open later than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to cut your key fob and programmed.