Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting car keys requires more than just bending a piece metal. It's a skill that offers security and ease of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key using the appropriate key cutting procedure for your car's make and model. The process of cutting keys is a matter of minutes and is much less costly than purchasing a new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic form of car key and go back to the beginning of automotive locks. They are made up of grooves and ridges cut into them that line up with the pins in a specific lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied from most hardware stores, but an experienced locksmith with the right tools will usually have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and will work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can make laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to duplicate the key, and if someone is using grinders to try to copy it they'll likely end up leaving some metal pieces that will not fit into the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an extra layer of security. These keys have a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your car to let it know it is genuine. If the chip inside your key isn't matched to your vehicle, it will not start and will remain unresponsive. These keys are more costly than a mechanical one and require expert programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the latest advancement in car keys. They're an amalgamation of the traditional mechanical key and a remote control. You can unlock and start your vehicle with this key and do so via remote. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best place to get a new mechanical key to replace the one that has been damaged or lost. Most chains do not have the right equipment or highly skilled professionals to make a quality key that can be used in your vehicle. You will save money and be more secure if you let the creation of the key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to produce than standard key blanks, but offer an additional layer of security for your car. G28 Car Keys are used to carve them from the middle, which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either end and still work. They also have a unique pattern that is 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 more difficult for thieves to steal your car because the key is harder to turn. Keys with this design are less likely to be caught in the lock, because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut keys in your lock, a unique signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This signals the car that it is the right key, and it can be used to start. If a burglar manages to get their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle transmitter will not be able to recognize it. It will be unable to start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s and are now used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive to produce than standard keys and require special equipment, but they add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose one, a professional locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and at an affordable price.
Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to allow it to work. It's not something you can do yourself, and dealers charge a significant amount to do it. A reputable locksmith should be able to program your transponder for you, although they may not have the same degree of expertise as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of a majority of newer cars to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with your ignition system, allowing it to verify the key prior to starting the motor. Even if the thief is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they will not be able use it to start the car because the engine won't start when the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in almost all cars built in the last 20 years. These are radio transmitters that make sure your car isn't started without the right keys. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft because thieves had discovered a myriad of ways to start vehicles by brute force (pushing the ignition switch using 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 be turned on for a brief period of time, but also verify that there was a valid key in the ignition.
A regular transponder will look like a metal key with the top made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder that will transmit a signal to your car once the key is in close proximity. The signal is an electronic 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 among the best forms of anti-theft technology that manufacturers of cars have implemented as it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for anyone who doesn't possess a valid key.
There are a few different kinds of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Some keys have an embedded transponder in the head. Some include an accessory fob that houses the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs typically come with buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help get you a new transponder to your vehicle, and even program it if you need to. This process is usually simple and involves only just a few steps. The new key must be cut using a key cutter. This can be done at any automotive store. Then, the transponder keys will need to be programmed for your specific vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The programming process usually takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have an electronic keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob is used to send the vehicle a signal to open the doors or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, provided it's equipped.
It's important to note that the car key fob isn't like the traditional key you've got on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to work with your specific vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your own fob. It is recommended to leave the cutting and programming of your key fobs to professionals.
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 hidden away when not in use. You can also find fobs that appear more like an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
If you lost your key fob, it could be a major trouble to obtain replacement. It may require specialized tools or a trip to the dealership. Usually, the dealer will only provide a fob that is compatible with your specific model. This is because the dealer has the technological experience to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
The process of finding an alternative key fob could be quite simple if have the right information. You will be required to know the car's year, make, and model. Bring with you a spare key that is functional.
Get the necessary equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob, review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the correct tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a specific mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off in a certain amount of times, or a combination. Some manufacturers will even signal the entry into programming mode by making a sound or flashing light.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs at an affordable cost than the dealership. We are also open later than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.