Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting keys for cars involves more than simply bent metal. It's a skill that provides security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners.
Bring your key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key using the appropriate key cutting procedure for your vehicle's make and model. The key cutting process takes only about a minute and is cheaper than buying new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the simplest kind of car key. mobile key cutting near me have a pattern that matches the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, however a locksmith with the proper tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and will work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also be capable of creating laser cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys because they have grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to copy the key and, if someone uses grinders to try to duplicate the key they'll likely leave the metal pieces that won't fit in the lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were created to add another layer of security. These keys contain a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your car to inform it that it is legitimate. If the chip inside your key is not matched to your vehicle it will not begin and will remain immobilised. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the latest advancement in car keys. They're a mix of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your car using the key, and allows you to do so from an extended distance. A mobile professional auto locksmith can make replacement smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Many people think they can find a replacement for their lost or damaged mechanical key from the hardware store but this is not an appropriate method. Most chains don't have the proper equipment or highly skilled professionals to make a quality key that can be used in your vehicle. It is better to hand over the making of your key to a professional and you'll save money over the long term by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to make than standard key blanks, but provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. They are carved from the middle using a laser which allows them to be placed in the lock on either side, and work. They have a unique design and are more difficult to duplicate.
You can distinguish a key made of lasers from traditional bladed keys by the larger shank, which has smaller grooves that have been carved. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car as the key is more difficult to turn. The keys are less likely to be caught in the lock, because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert a laser-cut keys into your lock it transmits a signal to the car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the correct key, and it can be used to start. If a burglar is able to get their hands on an unauthorised key, the vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it. It will be unable to start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are used in many luxury cars. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to make keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and at a reasonable cost if you lose it.
Depending on your car, you may need to include a transponder chip into the ignition to get it working. This isn't something that you can do on your own and the majority of car dealerships will charge an arm and a leg to perform the program for you. A good locksmith will be able to program your transponder on your behalf, although they may not have the same degree of expertise as your local dealer.
Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips, which provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with the ignition system, allowing it to verify the key prior to beginning the engine. Even if someone succeeds in stealing the key and replicate it however, they will not be capable of using it to start your car because the engine won't start if it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in nearly all vehicles built in the past 20 years. These are essentially radio transmitters that will stop your car from starting if you don't have the proper key in place. This was a major breakthrough 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 entirely). The transponder chip was able to solve all of that as it would only allow the car to be turned on for a brief period of time, while also registering that there was a genuine key in place.
A normal transponder key will look much like a normal metal key with a plastic top. This plastic top houses the transponder that will send the signal to your car whenever the key is near enough. This signal contains an electronic serial number which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals are compatible the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is the most effective anti-theft technology the car manufacturer can employ since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without an official key.
Depending on the model, there are several different types of transponder key that can be used. Certain keys come with a transponder chip in the head. Others have a remote key fob which includes the transponder of the key. Key fobs usually have buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get you a new transponder to your vehicle, and even program it if needed. The process is typically simple and only involves the following steps. First, the new key will need to be cut with the standard metal key cutter, which can be done at any automotive retailer. Then, the blank transponder keys will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The process of programming is generally very quick and only takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have the remote keyless system which requires fob. The fob sends signals to your vehicle to open doors or start the engine. It can also open the trunk, if it is equipped.
Keep in mind that the car fob differs from the traditional metal keys you may have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be properly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. You should never try to cut your key fob on your own. It is always advisable to bring your key fob to a professional for cutting and programming.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with keys that can be folded inside, like an ad-hoc switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be tucked away when it's not in use. There are fobs without the foldable feature, that look like a regular-sized key.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to a dealer. Dealers usually only offer an item that is compatible with the model you have. The dealer has the expertise to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
The process of finding an alternative key fob could be relatively simple if you have the correct information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your car. You should also have a spare key with you to take along.
Gather Necessary Tools: Before beginning to program your key fob, read the manual of the manufacturer to ensure you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a particular mode that may require turning the ignition off and on at a specific number of times, pressing specific buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers might even employ an illuminated light or sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
You can take your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs at the lower cost than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open longer than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.