Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than creating a metal piece. It's a technique that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners.
Bring your key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting method for your car's make and model. click of cutting keys takes just few minutes and is cheaper than buying new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the most basic kind of car key. These keys have a pattern that matches the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. Hardware stores are able to copy mechanical keys, but a locksmith with the proper tools can create copies that are more durable and will work in your car.
A professional locksmith is also 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 more difficult to duplicate the key, and if someone uses grinders to try to do so they'll likely leave behind metal scraps which will not fit into your lock.
In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed to provide an additional layer of security. read contain a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your car to confirm that it is legitimate. If the chip inside your key isn't matched to your car it will not begin and will remain immobilised. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the most recent technology in car keys. They are a combination of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can open and start your car with this key and do so remotely. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your car within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option for an alternative mechanical key for the one that has been damaged or lost. Most chains do not have the proper equipment or highly trained professionals to make a quality key that works in your vehicle. It is better to leave the creation of your key to a professional and you will most likely save money in the end by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys cost more to produce than standard key blanks but offer an additional layer of security for your vehicle. They are carved from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either side, and work. They have a unique design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The longer shank that is thicker and has fewer grooves will help you discern a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This means the key is more difficult to turn than a standard key and makes it more difficult for thieves to open your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. These keys are less likely to be caught in the lock, as they have a more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut key in your lock, a unique signal is sent to the car's receiver. This informs the car that it's the right key, and that it is able to be used to start. If a thief does manage to get their hands on an unauthorized copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not register it and refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been utilized in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They cost more to make than regular keys and require specialized equipment, but they do add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose one, an experienced locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and at a reasonable price.
Depending on your car, you may need to include a transponder chip into the ignition to get it to work. This isn't something you can do on your own and most dealerships will charge you an amount of money to perform the program for you. A reliable locksmith will be able to program your transponder on your behalf even though they may not have the same degree of expertise as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of a majority of newer vehicles to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system, allowing it to check that the key is authentic before you start the engine. Even if the person who stole it is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they won't be able to use it to start the car since the engine won't be able to start when the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Nearly every car manufactured in the last 20 years or therefore will have a transponder chip inside of it. These are radio transmitters that make sure your car isn't started without the right keys. This was a major innovation in the fight against auto theft since thieves had discovered a myriad of methods to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch using a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was a solution to all of this as it only allowed the car to be turned on for a brief period of time and also registered that there was a key inside.
A standard transponder key will look much like a regular metal key with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the actual transponder, which will send a signal to your car when the key is near enough. The signal is the digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is the best anti-theft technology an automaker can put in place as it makes car theft impossible for anyone without a valid key.
There are several types of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Some keys include an embedded transponder in the head. Others come with a remote key fob which includes the transponder of the key. Key fobs usually come with buttons that allow you to lock/unlock the car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you obtain an updated transponder key to your car, and can program it for you, should you require it. This process is usually fairly easy and requires only several steps. First, the new key needs to be cut using the standard metal key cutter, which can be done at any automotive retailer. Then, the transponder keys will need to be programmed for your particular vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The process of programming is generally very quick and only takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have the remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The key fob sends a signal from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. If equipped, it can also open the boot.
It's important to remember that a car key fob is not like the typical metal key you might have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that needs to be programmed correctly to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. This is why you shouldn't attempt cutting your own fob. It is always recommended to take your key fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have a key that folds inside, much like a switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and to be stored away when not in use. There are also fobs that look more like the regular key, but without the foldable key.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob if you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers can often only provide a key fob that is compatible with the model you have. This is because the dealer has the technological know-how to ensure that a replacement fob matches up with your car's security system.
The process of obtaining a replacement key fob can be quite simple if have the right information. First, you have to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Bring with you a spare key that works.
Gather the Necessary Equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob, go through the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the correct tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a specific mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons and turning the ignition off or on a certain number times or some combination of these. Some manufacturers may even use a flashing light or a sound to signal the switch to programming mode.
You can bring your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it programmed and cut. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs at a a much more reasonable price than the dealership. In addition, we are open longer than the dealership so you don't have to rush off to get your key fob cut and programmed.