Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting car keys involves more than simply bending a piece metal. It's a skill that offers security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting method for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys takes just about a minute and is much less expensive than purchasing the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest kind of car keys and dates back to the early days of automobile locks. They have an arrangement that is in line with the pins of the lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied at most hardware stores, but a professional locksmith with the right tools will usually have better success making copies that are more durable and will work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith will also be able to create laser cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it harder to duplicate the key and if someone uses grinders to try to copy it, they'll likely leave the metal pieces that will not fit into your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an additional layer of security. These keys contain a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it is authentic. If the chip inside your key is not matched to your car it will not begin and will remain unresponsive. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than mechanical keys and require a professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the newest advancement in car keys. They are the result of combining the traditional mechanical key and a remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your vehicle with the key, and allows you to do so from the distance. A professional auto locksmith on the move can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option to purchase a new mechanical key to replace the one that has been damaged or lost. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled professionals to be able to create a quality key that will work well in your vehicle. It is better to hand over the making of your key to a professional, and you'll likely save money in the end by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more costly to make than standard key blanks, but provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. Lasers are used to carve keys from the middle, which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either side and still function. They feature a distinct design and are more difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to tell a laser-cut key apart from traditional bladed keys by the wider shank with fewer carved grooves. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car as the key is harder to turn. These keys are also less likely to become stuck in locks because they are more precise cut.
When you insert the laser-cut keys in your lock, a unique signal is sent to the car's receiver. This lets the car know it's the correct key and allows it to start. If a thief does manage to get their hands on an unauthorized copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it and not start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are now used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require special equipment, but they provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and at a reasonable price if you lose it.
You might need to have the transponder chip programmed in your key, based on the vehicle you drive. This isn't something you can do by yourself, and most car dealerships will charge you an amount of money to complete the task for you. A reliable locksmith can program your transponder, however they might not have the same experience as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of many modern cars to provide an extra layer security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system and allow it to confirm that the key is legitimate before allowing the engine to start. Even if a thief manages to steal the key and copy it but isn't in a position to start your car because the engine will refuse to start if it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in the majority of cars manufactured in the last 20 years. These are radio transmitters that stop your car from being started without the correct keys. This was a major innovation in the fight against auto theft as thieves had discovered a myriad of ways to start vehicles with brute force (pushing the ignition switch with a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the solution to all of this because it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short amount of time, and also confirmed that there was a key present.
A normal transponder will appear like a key made of steel with an outer cover made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder which will send a message 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 are compatible, you will be in a position to operate your vehicle. This is the best security system a car manufacturer can implement because it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone who does not have an authentic key.
There are a few different kinds of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Certain keys come with an embedded transponder in the head. Some include a remote fob which houses the transponder of the key. Key fobs often come with buttons that allow you to lock/unlock the car or set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder to your vehicle, and even program it if needed. This procedure is usually straightforward and only involves a few simple steps. First, the new key will need to be cut with an ordinary metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any auto retailer. Then, the blank transponder keys will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The process of programming typically takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars use an electronic keyless entry system that requires fob. car key cutting and programming sends a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors or start the motor. It can also open the trunk, provided it's equipped.
Remember that the car fob differs from the standard metal keys you've got on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your fob yourself. It is always recommended to bring your fob to a professional to cut and program it.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some have an internal key that folds into it, similar to the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be hidden away when it's not being used. You can find fobs without the foldable feature, that look like a regular-sized key.
If you lose your key fob it could be a major hassle to find a replacement. It could require specialized tools or a trip to a dealership. Dealers usually only offer an item that is compatible with the model you have. The dealer has the expertise to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining an entirely new key fob is fairly easy if you have the right information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your car. Also, you should have a spare key that you can bring with you.
Gather the Necessary Equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob, review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the correct tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a special mode that may require switching the ignition on and off at a specific number of times, triggering certain buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers may even use a flashing light or a sound to signal the start of programming mode.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money because we cut your key fobs at cheaper than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer so you don't have to rush to work in order to have your key fob programmed and cut.