Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just creating a metal piece. It's a skill 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 procedure for your particular model and make. The process of cutting keys takes just few minutes and is cheaper than buying new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest form of car key and go back to the early days of locking mechanisms for automobiles. They are made with patterns that match the pin settings of a lock to open it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, however a locksmith with the proper tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and can be used in your car.
A professional locksmith can also make laser-cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys because they have grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to duplicate or if someone tries to grind the key, they'll likely leave behind a lot of metal scraps that will not fit in your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an extra layer of security. These keys contain a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your car to let it know it is legitimate. If the chip in your key isn't matched to your car it will not be able to start and will remain immobilised. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than a mechanical key and require professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the latest development in car keys. These are a combination between a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your car with the key, and lets you do it from a distance. key cutting car can design smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Many people think they can get a replacement for their damaged or lost mechanical key at a hardware store, but this is not an appropriate method. Most chains do not have the proper equipment or highly skilled professionals to be able to create an authentic key that will work well in your vehicle. It is much safer to hand over the making of your key to a professional and you'll save money in the long run by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive than standard blanks, however they add an additional security feature to your car. Lasers are used to cut them from the middle, allowing them to be inserted into the lock on either end and still work. They have a distinctive pattern that is more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and fewer grooves will help you identify a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car since the key is harder to turn. These keys are also less likely to become stuck in the lock since they are more precise cut.
When you insert a laser-cut keys into your lock it transmits a signal to the car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the correct key, and that it is able to be used to start. If a burglar does manage to get their hands on an unauthorised copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it and 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 and require special equipment to create keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours a professional locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and at a reasonable price.
Depending on the car you drive depending on the model, you might need to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to allow it to work. It's not something you can do yourself, and car dealerships charge a lot to do it. A good locksmith can program your transponder, however they may not have as much expertise than your local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of a majority of modern cars to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system, allowing it to check that the key is genuine before allowing the engine to start. Even if the person who stole it is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they will not be able to start the car because the engine won't start in the event that the code isn't valid.
Transponder Keys
Most cars built in the past 20 years or therefore will have an embedded transponder chip within it. These are radio transmitters that will keep your car from starting if you don't have the proper key in place. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft, as thieves had developed many ways to start cars using brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip solved all of that as it would only allow the car to turn on for a short period of time while also registering that there was a valid key in the ignition.
A standard transponder keys will look like a standard metal key, but with a plastic top. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder which will transmit a signal to your car whenever the key is in close proximity. This signal contains the digital serial number which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals are compatible the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is among the best forms of anti-theft technologies that the car manufacturer has put in place as it has made car theft nearly impossible for anyone who doesn't possess a valid key.
There are several types of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Some keys include a transponder chip inside the head. Others have remote keys that has the transponder of the key. Key fobs typically include buttons that permit you to lock/unlock the car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get you a new transponder for your vehicle, and even program it if needed. This process is usually fairly easy and requires only several steps. First, the new key has to be cut using an ordinary metal key cutter, which can usually be done at any automotive store. The transponder keys blanks must then be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process is usually extremely quick and takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars use a remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob's key sends signals to your vehicle to open 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 you may have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that needs to be correctly programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. You should never try to cut your key fob by yourself. It's best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to experts.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some have a key that can be folded inside, much like an ad-hoc switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and tucked away when not in use. There are also fobs that appear more like a regular key, without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob, it can be a huge trouble to obtain an alternative. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, dealers can only provide a fob that is compatible with your specific model. The dealer has the technical expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
The process of getting the replacement key fob you need can be quite simple if have the correct details. First, you have to know the year, make and model of your car. Take an extra key that works.
Gather the necessary tools: Before beginning to program your key fob, read the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a specific mode that could involve switching the ignition on and off a certain number of times, triggering certain buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers may even signal the switch to programming mode by making a sound or flashing light.
Once you've gathered the required materials, you'll be able to bring your key fob to the closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs at a a much more reasonable price than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer so you don't have to rush to have your key fob programmed and cut.