Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It's a skill that provides security, convenience and peace of mind to vehicle 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 process of cutting keys is only a few minutes and is much less costly than purchasing a new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car keys. They are made with an arrangement that is in line with the pin settings of a lock to open it. Mechanical keys are available for copying 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 work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also make keys that are laser-cut. They are more secure than a standard mechanical key due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it harder to duplicate the key, and if someone is using grinders to try to copy it, they'll likely leave the metal pieces that will not fit in the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an extra layer of security. They have a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your car to let it know it is genuine. If the chip on the car's key isn't compatible, your vehicle will not start. Keys that are programmed to be more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the newest evolution in car keys. These are a combination between the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can unlock and start your car using this key, and do it via remote. A mobile auto locksmith can make smart keys for your car within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best option for a replacement mechanical key for a lost or damaged one. The majority of chains don't have the proper equipment or highly skilled experts to be able to create a quality key that will work well in your vehicle. It is safer to hand over the making of your key to a professional, and you'll likely save money in the long run by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive than standard blanks however, they provide an extra layer of security to your car. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle, allowing them to be inserted into the lock at either end and still work. They also have a distinct design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and less grooves will allow you to discern a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car because the key is more difficult to turn. Keys with this design are less likely to be stuck in the lock because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut keys in your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This signals the car that it's the correct key, and it can be started. If a criminal gets their hands onto an unauthorized key, the vehicle transmitter will not register it. G28 Car Keys will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are now used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require special equipment to create them, but they offer an extra layer security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and at a reasonable price if you lose it.
Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to have a transponder chip programmed into the ignition to get it to work. This isn't something you can do on your own and most dealerships will charge you an expense of a few hundred dollars to perform the program for you. A good locksmith can program your transponder, however they may not have as much expertise than your local dealer.
The majority of newer vehicles come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips that provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system, allowing it to confirm that the key is legitimate before you start the engine. Even if a thief succeeds in stealing the key and copy it but isn't capable of using it to start your car because the engine won't start if it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Nearly every car manufactured in the last 20 years or that's why it has a transponder chip inside of it. These are essentially radio transmitters that keep your car from starting without the correct key in place. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft since thieves had discovered a variety of methods to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch with a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved the problem since it could only allow the car to turn on for a short period of time while also registering that there was a genuine key in place.
A regular transponder key will look much like a normal metal key, but with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the actual transponder that will send a message to your car once the key is close to. This signal has the digital serial number that is identical to the transponder in 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 a car manufacturer can implement because it makes car theft impossible for anyone who does not have an authentic key.
Depending on the model, there are different kinds of transponder keys that are available. Certain keys come with an embedded transponder in the head. Some have a remote key fob that has the key transponder. Key fobs usually include buttons that permit you to lock or unlock your car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder for your vehicle, and even programme it if required. The process is generally easy and requires only several steps. The new key must be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be done at any car dealership. The transponder keys blanks will then need to be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process usually takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars use an electronic keyless entry system that requires fob. The key fob sends a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. It can also open the trunk, if equipped.
It's important to note that a car key fob is not like the typical metal key you've got on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that needs to be correctly programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. This is why you shouldn't attempt cutting your own fob. It is best to leave the cutting and programming of your fobs to experts.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some feature an internal key that folds into it, similar to the switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and to be stored away when not being used. There are fobs without the foldable feature, that look like normal-sized keys.
It may be difficult to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a trip to a dealer. Dealers can often only provide an item that is compatible with your model. This is because the dealer has the technological know-how to ensure that the replacement fob works with your car's security system.
The process of obtaining a replacement key fob can be quite simple if have the right information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Bring along a spare key that is functional.
Gather the Necessary Equipment Before you begin to program your keyfob check the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the right tools and equipment. You will need to enter a specific mode that might involve turning the ignition on and off a certain number of times, pressing specific buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers may even signal entry into programming mode by making a sound or flashing light.
Once you've gathered the required materials, you can bring your key fob to your nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can save your time and money since we cut your key fobs for a lower price than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer and you won't have hurry to have your key fob programmed and cut.