Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than creating a metal piece. It's a skill that provides security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the appropriate 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 are the simplest form of car key and date back to the early days of automotive locks. They have a pattern of grooves and ridges carved into them that align with the pin settings in a specific lock to open it. Hardware stores are able to copy mechanical keys, but locksmiths who have the right tools can make copies that are more durable and can be used in your car.
A professional locksmith is also able to make laser-cut keys. These are more secure than traditional mechanical key since they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to duplicate the key, and, if someone uses a grinder to attempt to copy it, they'll likely leave the metal pieces that won't fit in your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an additional layer of security. They have a tiny chip in the head that communicates to your car to ensure it's a genuine key. If the chip in the car's key isn't compatible, your car won't start. These keys are more costly than a mechanical one and require professional 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. You can open and start your car using this key and do so via remote. A mobile auto locksmith can make smart keys for your vehicle in minutes using the latest technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option to purchase an alternative mechanical key for the one that has been damaged or lost. The majority of hardware stores don't have the equipment or highly-trained experts to create a key that works well inside your vehicle. You'll save money and be safer if you leave the design of your 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. They are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be placed in the lock on either side, and work. They have a unique pattern that is more difficult to duplicate.
The thicker shank with less grooves will allow you to 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 get trapped in locks, as they have a more precise cutting.
When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock, it sends a signal to the car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the right key and allows it to start. If a criminal manages to obtain an unauthorised copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and will not start.
Laser-cut keys have been used in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive to make than regular keys and require specialized equipment, but they add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours an experienced locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and at reasonable cost.
You might need to have the transponder chip programmed into your key, based on the car you own. This isn't something that you can do on your own, and most car dealerships will charge you an expense of a few hundred dollars to do it for you. A good locksmith can program your transponder, however they might not have the same expertise than your local dealer.
Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips to add an extra layer of security. These chips are synchronized 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 won't be able to use it to start the car because the engine won't start if the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Most cars built in the last 20 years or so will have a transponder chip inside of it. These are radio transmitters that will prevent your car from starting without the proper key in place. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft, since thieves had devised a variety of methods to start cars with brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch with flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip was a solution to all of this, as it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short period of time, and also confirmed that there was a key in place.
A regular transponder will look like a key made of steel with a top made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder that will send the signal to your car whenever the key is near enough. This signal has an electronic serial number which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals match, your car will allow you to operate it. This is one of the best forms of anti-theft technology that a car manufacturer has implemented as it has made car theft almost impossible for anyone who doesn't have a valid keys.
Depending on the model, there are several different kinds of transponder keys that are available. Some keys include a transponder chip in the head. Others come with remote keys that has the key transponder. Key fobs typically feature buttons which allow you to lock and unlock your car and set the alarm and many other functions.
A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder to your vehicle and will program it if you need to. The process is typically simple and requires only the following steps. The new key needs to be cut using a key cutter. This can be accomplished at any automotive store. Then, the blank transponder key will need to be programmed for your particular vehicle by an experienced auto locksmith. The programming process usually takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have a remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob transmits a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors or start the motor. It also opens 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 a complicated piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. You should never try to cut your key fob by yourself. key cutting cost is recommended to leave the cutting and programming of your fobs to experts.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some feature a key that folds inside it, much like the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be put away when it's not being used. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, that look like normal-sized keys.
It can be difficult to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers typically only offer the 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 car's safety system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining the new key fob you want is relatively simple when you have the right details. You'll have to know your car's year, make, and model. Also, you must have a working spare key with you to take along.
Get the necessary equipment Before you begin to program your keyfob check the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the correct tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a particular mode that could involve switching the ignition off and on a certain number of times, pressing specific buttons or any combination of these. Certain manufacturers may also signal the switch to programming mode by making a sound or light flash.
You can take your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money as we cut your key fobs at cheaper than the dealership. We are also open later than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.