Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than cutting a piece of metal. It's a technique that provides security and ease of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the appropriate key cutting method for your model and make. The process of cutting keys takes just a few minutes and is cheaper than a replacement car key purchased from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car keys. These keys have an arrangement that is in line with the pin settings of a lock to open it. The majority of hardware stores can duplicate mechanical keys, however a locksmith with the proper tools will be able to make copies that are more durable and will work in your car.
A professional locksmith is also capable of creating laser cut keys. These are more secure than a standard mechanical key because they feature grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to duplicate the key, and if someone uses a grinder to try to duplicate the key, they'll likely leave behind metal scraps which will not fit in your lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were created to provide an additional layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip inside the head that transmits information to your car so it knows it's authentic keys. If the chip in your key is not matched to your vehicle it will not be able to start and will remain immobilised. These keys are more expensive than a mechanical one and require a professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the latest development in car keys. They're a mix of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your vehicle with the key, and allows you to do this from an extended distance. A professional auto locksmith on the move can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the latest technology.
Many people may think that they can get a replacement for their lost or damaged mechanical key from a hardware store, but this is not a safe practice. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled experts to make a quality key that works in your vehicle. It is safer to leave the design of your key to a professional, and you'll save money in the end by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to make than standard keys, but they provide a higher level of security for your vehicle. They are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be inserted into the lock from either side and still function. They also have a different 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 difficult for thieves to steal your car because the key is harder to turn. These keys are also less likely to get stuck in locks because they have a more precise cut.
When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock, it sends a signal to your car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the right key, and it can be used to start. If a criminal manages to obtain an unauthorised copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not recognize it and will not start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require special equipment them, but they offer an extra layer security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and efficiently at a reasonable cost if you lose it.
Depending on your car depending on the model, you might need to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to allow it working. It's not something you can do by yourself, and dealerships charge a lot to do it. A reliable locksmith can program your transponder, however they might not have the same expertise than your local dealer.
The majority of modern cars have keys laser-cut that have transponder chips to add an extra layer of security. These chips are registered with the car's ignition system, which allows it to verify the key prior to beginning the engine. Even if the person who stole it is able to steal and duplicate the key, they won't be able to use it to start the car since the engine won't be able to start when the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in nearly all vehicles built in the last 20 years. These are essentially radio transmitters that will stop your car from starting without the correct key installed. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against car theft since thieves had devised a variety of ways to start cars by brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch with flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the solution to all of this since it allowed the car to be turned on for a brief period of time. It also verified that there was a key in place.
A normal transponder will appear like a metal key with a top made of plastic. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder, which will send a message to your car once the key is within close proximity. The signal is comprised of a digital serial number that matches the original transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is the most effective anti-theft system that a car manufacturer can implement since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone who does not have an official key.
Based on the model, there are different kinds of transponder keys that can be used. Some are equipped with a traditional transponder chip that is contained inside the head of the key. Some also have a remote fob that contains the transponder of the key. Key fobs usually feature buttons which allow you to lock and unlock your car or set the alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get you a new transponder to your vehicle and will program it if you need to. This procedure is usually straightforward and requires only the following steps. The new key has to be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any auto shop. Then, the blank transponder keys will need to be programmed for your particular vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The programming process usually takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have an electronic remote keyless system that requires a fob. The fob is used to send an alert from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. It can also open the trunk, provided it's equipped.
It's important to note that a car key fob isn't like the typical metal key that you may have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that needs to be programmed correctly to work with your specific vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your fob yourself. It's always best to bring your fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some come with an internal key that folds into it, much like the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be tucked away when it's not being used. You can find fobs without the foldable feature, which look like normal-sized keys.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob if you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers usually only offer the key fob that is compatible with your model. This is because the dealer has the technology know-how to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with the security system of your vehicle.
The process of obtaining the replacement key fob you need can be fairly simple if you have the correct details. For starters, you need to know the year, model and year of your car. You should also have a working spare key that you can bring with you.
Get the tools you need: Prior to attempting to program your key fob, consult the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you have all the required tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a particular mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off in a certain amount of times, or the combination of. Some manufacturers may even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
Once our homepage gathered the required materials, you can bring your key fob into your nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs at the lower cost than the dealership. In addition, we are open later than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.