Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting keys for cars involves more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's a skill that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the correct key cutting technique for your particular model and make. The process of cutting keys is just a few minutes and is less expensive than a replacement car key purchased from a dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the most basic kind of car key. They have patterns that match the pin settings of a lock to open it. The majority of hardware stores can duplicate mechanical keys, however locksmiths with the right tools can make copies that are more durable and can be used in your car.
A professional locksmith can make keys that are laser-cut. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to duplicate and, if someone attempts to make use of a grinder to the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces that won't fit into your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an additional layer of security. They have an embedded chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it is legitimate. If the chip in your key isn't matched to your vehicle, it will not start and will remain immobilised. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the newest evolution in car keys. They're an amalgamation of a traditional mechanical key and a remote control. You can unlock and start your car with this key and operate it via remote. A mobile auto locksmith can make smart keys for your car in a matter of minutes using the most recent technology.
Many people may think that they can find an alternative for their damaged or lost mechanical key from a hardware store but this is not a good idea. The majority of hardware stores do not have the equipment or highly-trained experts to create an effective key that will work in your vehicle. You will save money and be more secure if you delegate the design of your key to an expert.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive than standard blanks, however they add an additional security feature to your vehicle. They are cut from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either side and still work. They also have a distinct pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
You can tell a laser-cut key apart from bladed keys with traditional design by the wider shank with less grooves carved. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car as the key is more difficult to turn. Keys with this design are also less likely to become stuck in the lock because they have a more precise cut.
When you insert the laser-cut keys inside your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This informs the car that it's the correct key and it can be used to start. If a criminal is able to get their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle transmitter will not recognize it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s and are now used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require special equipment them, but they offer an extra layer security for your vehicle. If you lose one, a professional locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and efficiently for a reasonable price.
You may need to have the transponder chip programmed in your key, based on the vehicle you own. This isn't something that you can do by yourself and the majority of car dealerships will charge an amount of money to complete the task for you. A reliable locksmith will be able program your transponder, however they may not have as much expertise as your local dealer.
Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips, which provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system and permit it to confirm that the key is legitimate before allowing the engine to start. Even if someone manages to steal the key and copy it, they won't be capable of using it to start your car because the engine won't start if it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in almost all cars built in the last 20 years. These are essentially radio transmitters that stop your car from starting if you don't have the correct key installed. This was a significant breakthrough in the fight against car theft, as thieves had come up with a variety of ways to start cars by brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was a solution to all of this, because it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short amount of time. It also verified that there was a key inside.
A regular transponder key will appear like a normal metal key with a plastic top. This plastic top houses the transponder that will send an alert to your car when the key is close enough. The signal is comprised of a digital serial number that matches the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals are compatible, you will be capable of operating your car. This is one of the most effective methods of anti-theft technology the car manufacturer has put in place since it has made car theft nearly impossible for anyone who does not have a valid key.
Depending on the model, there are several different types of transponder key that are available. Some keys have an embedded transponder in the head. Some have a remote fob that contains the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs often come with buttons that allow you to lock/unlock the car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you acquire a new transponder key for your car, and can program it for you, if needed. This process is usually simple and requires only just a few steps. The new key needs to be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be done at any auto shop. The blank transponder keys will then have to be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process is usually extremely quick and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have the remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob is used to send the vehicle a signal to open the doors or start the motor. If key cutting services is equipped, it will also unlock the boot.
It's important to note that a car key fob is not like the traditional metal key you've got on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that must be correctly programmed to work with your specific vehicle. That's why you should never attempt to cut your fob yourself. It's always best to take your fob to a professional for cutting and programming.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside it, similar to a switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and tucked away when not being used. There are also fobs that resemble an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob if you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a visit to the dealer. Dealers typically only offer an item that is compatible with your car. This is because the dealer has the technology experience to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with the security system of your vehicle.
Fortunately, the process of getting the new key fob you want is fairly easy if you have the right information. You will be required to know the car's year of manufacture, year of manufacture, and model. Also, you should have a spare key that you can bring with you.
Get the necessary equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob check the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the correct tools and equipment. You will need to enter a particular mode that may require turning the ignition on and off a certain number of times, pressing specific buttons or a combination of both. Some manufacturers may even signal entry into programming mode by making a sound or light flash.
You can take your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be programmed and cut. We can save your time and money since we cut your key fobs for less than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer, so you won't need to rush in order to have your key fob programmed and cut.