Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting involves more than just bending a piece metal. It's a technique that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting technique for your particular model and make. The key-cutting procedure takes only about a minute and is cheaper than buying a new car key at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic form of car key and dates back to the early days of locking mechanisms for automobiles. They have a pattern of ridges and grooves cut into them that line up with the pin settings of the lock that allows you to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied from most hardware stores, but a professional locksmith with the right tools will generally be more successful in making copies that are more durable and can work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith will also be capable of making laser-cut keys. These are more secure than a traditional mechanical key because they feature grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to make a copy or if someone tries to grind the key, they will likely leave behind a large amount of metal scraps that will not fit in your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an additional layer of security. These keys have a small chip in their head that communicates to your car to ensure it's a genuine key. If the chip inside your key isn't 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 newest advancement in car keys. These are an amalgamation of traditional mechanical keys and a remote control. You can unlock and start your vehicle with this key, and do it remotely. A professional auto locksmith on the move can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best option for an alternative mechanical key for the one that has been damaged or lost. The majority of hardware stores don't have the tools or highly-trained professionals to make an effective key that will work inside your vehicle. It is safer to hand over the making of your key to a professional and you'll save money in the end by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys may be more expensive than regular blanks, however they add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. Lasers are used to carve keys from the middle permitting them to be put into the lock at either end and still work. They have a unique design and are more difficult to duplicate.
You can discern a laser-cut key from traditional bladed keys by the wider shank with fewer carved grooves. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car since the key is more difficult to turn. Keys with this design are also less likely to get stuck in the lock because they have a more precise cut.
When you insert the laser-cut keys in your lock, a unique signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This signals the car that it's the right key and allows it to start. If a burglar does manage to get their hands on an unauthorized copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and not start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced in the 1990s and are used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to make them, but they offer an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours, a professional locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and efficiently for an affordable price.
You may need to have the transponder chip installed in your key depending on the vehicle you drive. It's not something you can do yourself, and dealers charge a significant amount to do it. A good locksmith should be able to program your transponder on your behalf however they might not have the same amount of experience as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of a majority of newer vehicles to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system and permit it to check that the key is authentic before allowing the engine to start. Even if the thief is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they will not be able to start the car because the engine won't start in the event that the code isn't valid.
Transponder Keys
Nearly every car manufactured in the last 20 years or so will have a transponder chip in it. These are radio transmitters that make sure your car isn't started without the correct keys. This was a major breakthrough 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 turn on for a short amount of time. It also verified that there was a key inside.
A normal transponder keys will look like a normal metal key with a plastic top. This plastic top houses the transponder, which will send a signal to your car when the key is near enough. The signal is the digital serial number that matches the original transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is the best security system a car manufacturer can implement because it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without an authentic key.
There are several kinds of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some keys include a transponder chip inside the head. Some also have an accessory fob that houses the transponder of the key. Key fobs usually have buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car or set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder for your vehicle and can even program it if needed. This process is usually fairly easy and requires only just a few steps. The new key needs to be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any car dealership. The transponder keys that are blank will then have to be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process usually takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have a remote keyless system that requires fob. The key fob sends the vehicle a signal to open the doors or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, provided it's equipped.
Be aware that the car fob differs from the traditional metal keys you may have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. That's why you should never attempt cutting your own fob. It is always advisable to bring your key fob to an expert to cut and program it.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some come with an open key that folds inside, much like the switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and compact when not in use. You can also find fobs that appear more like the regular key, but without the foldable 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 the dealer. Dealers usually only offer a key fob 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 safety system.
Fortunately, the process of getting the new key fob you want is fairly easy if you have the correct information. First, you have to know the year, make and model of your car. Take along a spare key that is functional.
Gather cutting car key : Before trying to program your key fob, consult the manual of the manufacturer to ensure that you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a particular mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off a certain number times or a combination. Some manufacturers may even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the start of programming mode.
You can take your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it cut and programmed. We can save you time and money as we cut your key fobs at less than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer, so you won't need to rush to work in order to have your key fob programmed and cut.