Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than creating a metal piece. It's an art that ensures 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 correct key cutting procedure for your make and model. The key cutting process takes only few minutes and is much less expensive than purchasing new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car keys. They have a pattern that matches the pins of the lock to open it. Hardware stores are able to copy mechanical keys, but locksmiths with the right tools can make copies that are more durable and will work in your car.
A professional locksmith will also be able to create laser cut keys. These are more secure than traditional mechanical key because they feature grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to copy the key and if someone uses grinders to try to duplicate the key, they'll likely leave some metal pieces that will not fit in the lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented to add another layer of security. These keys have a small chip in the head that communicates with your car so it knows it's authentic keys. If the chip in your key is not matched to your vehicle it will not begin and remain in a standstill. These keys are more costly than a mechanical key and require expert programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the most recent advancement in car keys. These are an amalgamation of traditional mechanical keys and remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your car using the key, and allows you to do this from the distance. A professional auto locksmith mobile can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option to purchase a replacement mechanical key for damaged or lost keys. The majority of hardware stores don't have the necessary equipment or highly-trained experts to create keys that work in your car. It is better 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 costly to produce than standard key blanks, but provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle allowing them to be inserted into the lock at either side and still function. They have a distinctive design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The longer shank that is thicker and has smaller grooves can help you distinguish a laser-cut from a traditional bladed key. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car since the key is harder to turn. The keys are less likely to be trapped in locks, since they have more precise cutting.
When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock it transmits a signal to the car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This lets the car know it's the correct key, and can be started. If a burglar does manage to steal an unauthorised copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not register it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are currently used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They cost more to produce than standard key blanks and require specialized equipment, but they add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace it quickly and at a reasonable price if you lose it.
You may need to have the transponder chip programmed into your key depending on the vehicle you own. This isn't something that you can do by yourself, and most car dealers will charge an amount of money to do it for you. A good locksmith will be able to program your transponder on your behalf, although they may not have the same amount of experience as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of a majority of newer vehicles to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system and allow it to confirm that the key is legitimate before starting the engine. Even if a thief is capable of stealing and copying the key, they will not be able to start the car as the engine won't start in the event that the code isn't valid.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in almost all cars built in the past 20 years. These are radio transmitters which stop your car from being started without the right keys. This was a major innovation in the fight against auto theft because thieves had discovered a variety of ways to start vehicles with brute force (pushing the ignition switch using the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved the problem since it would only allow the car to start for a short period of time, but also verify that there was a valid key in place.
A regular transponder keys will look like a normal metal key with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the transponder that will send an alert to your car whenever the key is close enough. The signal is the digital serial number which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals match, you will be able to operate your car. This is among the most effective methods of anti-theft technology that the car manufacturer has put in place as it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for anyone who does not have a valid keys.
Depending on the model, there are several different types of transponder key that can be used. Some have an old-fashioned transponder chip that is located in the head of the key. Others have a remote key fob that has the transponder for the key. Key fobs often come with buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your car or set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you acquire a new transponder key for your car and can even program it for you, should you require it. This process is usually fairly simple and involves several steps. The new key needs to be cut using a key cutter. This can be accomplished at any car dealership. The transponder keys blanks will then have to be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming typically takes only 10 minutes.
nearest key cutting have an electronic remote keyless system that requires a fob. The fob's key sends a signal to your vehicle to unlock doors and start the engine. It can also open the trunk, if it is equipped.
Keep in mind that the car fob is different from the traditional metal keys that you might have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt cutting your own fob. It is always advisable to bring your key fob to a professional to cut and program it.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some come with an open key that can be folded inside, like a switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be tucked away when it's not in use. You can find fobs without the foldable feature that look like a regular-sized key.
It may be difficult to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers typically only offer a key fob that is compatible with your model. This is because the dealer has the technology know-how to ensure that the replacement fob works with the security system of your vehicle.
The process of getting a replacement key fob can be relatively simple if you have the right information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. Bring with you a spare key that is functional.
Gather the necessary tools: Before trying to program your key fob, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You will need to enter a specific mode that could involve switching the ignition off and on for a certain amount of times, pressing certain buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers may even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
Once you've gathered the required materials, you'll be able to bring your key fob to your closest Mister Minit store to have 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 longer than the dealership so you don't have to rush off to cut your key fob and programmed.