Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than cutting a piece of metal. It's an art that ensures security, convenience, and peace of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting method for your model and make. The key-cutting procedure takes only about a minute and is less expensive than buying the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car key. They have a pattern of ridges and grooves cut into them that line up with the pin settings of the lock that allows you to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied at most hardware stores, but a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will typically be more successful in making copies that are more durable and work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith will also be able to create laser cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides. This makes it harder to duplicate the key, and if someone uses a grinder to try to copy it, they'll likely leave some metal pieces that won't fit in the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an additional layer of security. They have an embedded chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to inform it that it is authentic. If auto key cutting on the key of your car is not matched, your car won't start. These keys are more costly than a mechanical one and require expert cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the newest evolution in car keys. They're a mix of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. This lets you unlock and start your car with the key, and allows you to do so from a distance. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your car in minutes using the latest technology.
Many people think they can get an alternative for a damaged or lost mechanical key from the hardware store but this is not an appropriate method. The majority of chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled experts to be able to create a quality key that can be used in your vehicle. It is much safer to leave the design 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 security feature to your vehicle. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle, which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either side and still function. They also have a distinct pattern and are harder to duplicate.
You can tell a laser-cut key apart from traditional bladed keys due to the wider shank with less grooves carved. This means the key is harder to turn than the standard key and makes it more difficult for thieves to open your car without much time and effort. These keys are also less likely to get stuck in locks because they are more precise cut.
When you insert the laser-cut key into your lock, a unique signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This lets the car know it's the correct key and allows it to start. If a criminal manages to obtain an unauthorised copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not register it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s and are used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment them, but they offer an extra layer security for your vehicle. If you lose yours, a professional locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and easily for an affordable price.
Depending on the car you drive it may be necessary to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to get it working. This isn't something you can do by yourself and the majority of car dealerships will charge an arm and a leg to do it for you. A reliable locksmith can program your transponder, but they may not have as much expertise as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of a majority of newer cars to provide an extra layer security. These chips are registered with the car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the keys before starting the motor. Even if the thief is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they won't be able to start the car because the engine won't be able to start if the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Nearly every car manufactured in the last 20 years or so will have an embedded transponder chip within it. These are essentially radio transmitters that keep your car from starting if you don't have the correct key installed. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft, since thieves had devised a variety of ways to start cars using brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using screwdrivers with flat blades) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve the problem since it could only allow the car to start for a short time, but also verify that there was a valid key in the ignition.
A standard transponder keys will look like a normal metal key, but with a plastic top. This plastic top houses the actual transponder which sends the signal to your car whenever the key is near enough. The signal is a digital serial number that matches the original transponder in your car. If the signals match, your car will allow you to operate it. This is the best anti-theft technology a car manufacturer can implement as it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone with an authentic key.
Based on the model, there are different types of transponder key that can be used. Some have the traditional transponder chip which is located inside the head of the key. Some have an electronic key fob that has the transponder of the key. Key fobs usually have buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get a new transponder key for your car and can even program it for you, if needed. automotive key cutting is typically simple and involves only the following steps. The new key must be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be done at any automotive store. Then, the blank transponder key must be programmed for your particular vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The process of programming typically takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars use the remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob's key sends signals to your vehicle to unlock doors or start the engine. If equipped, it can also unlock the boot.
Remember that the car fob is different from the standard metal keys you've got on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that has to be correctly programmed to work with your specific vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob on your own. It's always best to take your fob to an expert to cut and program it.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some feature keys that fold inside it, much like a switchblade. This lets the fob be smaller and compact when not being used. There are also fobs that appear more like the regular key, but without the foldable key.
If you lost your key fob, it can be a huge trouble to obtain a replacement. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, dealers can only provide a fob that works with your specific model. This is because the dealer has the technological know-how to ensure that a replacement fob matches up with your car's security system.
The process of obtaining a replacement key fob can be fairly simple if you have the right information. First, you have to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Also, you must have a working spare key with you to take along.
Gather the necessary tools: Before beginning to program your key fob, consult the manual of the manufacturer to ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You will need to enter a particular mode that may require turning the ignition on and off for a certain amount of times, triggering certain buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers may even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the switch to programming mode.
You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be programmed and cut. We can save you time and money because we cut your key fobs for cheaper than the dealership. In addition, we are open longer than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.