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 offers security and ease of mind to car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the correct key cutting method for your particular model and make. The key cutting process takes only a few minutes and is cheaper 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 keys. These keys have a pattern that matches the pins of the lock to unlock it. Hardware stores are able to copy 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 will also be able to create laser cut keys. They are more secure than traditional mechanical key due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to duplicate, and if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal scraps which will not fit into the lock.
In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed to add another layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip in the head that communicates to your car to ensure it's authentic keys. If the chip on the key of your car is not properly matched, the car will not start. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the latest technology in car keys. These are a combination of the traditional mechanical key and a remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your car with the key, and allows you to do this from a distance. index can make replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Many people think they can get an alternative for their damaged or lost mechanical key at the hardware store but this is not a safe practice. Most chains don't have the proper equipment or highly skilled professionals to be able to create an excellent key that can be used in your vehicle. You will save money and be more secure if you delegate the making of the key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys cost more to produce than standard key blanks but they provide a higher level of security for your car. They are cut from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be put into the lock from either side and still work. They have a distinctive design and are more difficult to duplicate.
You can discern a laser-cut key from bladed keys with traditional design by the larger shank, which has smaller grooves that have been carved. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car since the key is more difficult to turn. They are also less likely to become stuck in the lock since they are more precise cut.
When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock, it transmits a signal to the car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This lets the car know that it's the right key and can be started. If a thief is able to get their hands onto an unauthorized key, the car's transmitter will not be able to recognize it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced in the 1990s and are used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require special equipment to create, but they provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
It is possible that you will need the transponder chip programmed into your key depending on the car you own. This isn't something that you can do by yourself and most dealerships will charge an expense of a few hundred dollars to perform the program for you. A good locksmith can programme your transponder, but they might not have the same experience as the local dealer.
The majority of newer vehicles come with laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips that provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with your car's ignition system, which allows it to verify the key before starting the motor. Even if a burglar manages to steal the key and duplicate it however, they will not be able to use it to start your car because the engine won't start if it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in nearly all vehicles built within the last 20 years. They are basically radio transmitters that can prevent your car from starting without the proper key in place. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft as thieves had come up with a variety of ways to start cars using brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch with flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved all of this because it could only allow the car to be turned on for a brief period of time while also registering that there was a valid key in the ignition.
A normal transponder will appear like a key made of metal with an outer cover made of plastic. This plastic top houses the actual transponder that will send an alert to your car when the key is close enough. The signal is comprised of the digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals match then you'll be able to operate your car. This is among the most effective methods of anti-theft technologies that manufacturers of cars have implemented as it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for anyone who does not have a valid keys.
Based on the model, there are different types of transponder key that can be used. Some are equipped with the traditional transponder chip which is housed in the head of the key. Others have an electronic key fob that includes the transponder of the key. Key fobs usually have buttons on them which allow you to lock and unlock your car or set the alarm and other functions.
A locksmith can help you obtain a new transponder key for your car and can even program it for you, should you require it. This process is usually simple and involves only the following steps. First, the new key has to be cut using the standard metal key cutter, which can be done at any auto retailer. The transponder keys blanks must then be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming is generally very quick and only takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have an electronic remote keyless system that requires fob. The fob is used to send the vehicle a signal to unlock the doors or start the motor. If it's equipped, it can also unlock the boot.
Be aware that the car fob is different from the traditional metal keys you may have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that has to be correctly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. You should never try to cut your key fob yourself. It is always recommended to take your fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some come with a key that can be folded inside, like an ad-hoc switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be hidden away when not in use. There are fobs without the foldable feature, that appear like regular-sized keys.
If you lose your key fob it can be a real trouble to obtain a replacement. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealership. Dealers can often only provide a key fob that is compatible with the model you have. The dealer has the technical knowledge to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's security system.
The process of getting the replacement key fob you need can be fairly simple if you have the correct details. For starters, you need to know the year, make and model of your car. Also, you should have a spare key with you to take along.
Get the tools you need: Prior to attempting to program your key fob, consult the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You'll be required to enter a particular mode, which may require pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition a certain number times or some combination of these. Some manufacturers may even signal the switch to programming mode with a sound or flashing lights.
Once you've gathered the required materials, you'll be able to bring your key fob into your closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs for a much more reasonable price than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open longer than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to get your key fob cut and programmed.