Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just cutting a piece of 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 procedure for your make and model. The key-cutting process takes a matter of minutes and is cheaper than purchasing a new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the simplest kind of car key. They are made with a pattern that matches the pins of the lock to unlock it. The majority of hardware stores can duplicate mechanical keys, however a locksmith with the proper tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and can be used inside your car.
A professional locksmith is also able to create laser cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they have grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to copy the key and if someone is using a grinder to attempt to duplicate the key, they'll likely leave some metal pieces that will not fit in your lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented as an additional layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip in their head that communicates to your car, so it can verify that it's authentic keys. If keys cut near me now inside your key is not matched to your car, it will not start and will remain immobilised. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the most recent evolution in car keys. They're a mix of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. This lets you unlock and start your vehicle with the key, and allows you to do so from an extended distance. A professional auto locksmith on the move can create smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in just a few minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Many people may think that they can get an alternative for their lost or damaged mechanical key from a hardware store but this is not an appropriate method. Most chains do not have the proper equipment or highly skilled professionals to make an authentic key that works in your vehicle. You'll save money as well as be safer if you leave the creation of the key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive than regular blanks, however they add an additional security feature to your vehicle. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either end and still work. They feature a distinct pattern that is more difficult to duplicate.
The thicker shank with less grooves will allow you to discern a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This means that the key is harder to turn than a standard key, making it more difficult for thieves to open your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. Keys with this design 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 sends a signal to your car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This informs the car that it is the right key and can be used to start. If a criminal manages to get their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle transmitter will not register it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s, and are currently 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 your key quickly and efficiently at a reasonable price if you lose it.
You might need to have the transponder chip programmed in your key, based on the vehicle you own. You can't do this yourself, and dealers charge a lot for it. A good locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder on your behalf even though they may not have the same level of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
The majority of newer vehicles come with keys laser-cut that have transponder chips to add an extra layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system and allow it to confirm that the key is legitimate before allowing the engine to start. Even if a burglar is able to steal the key and replicate it however, they will not be in a position to start your car as the engine will refuse to start if it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Most cars built in the last 20 years or so will have a transponder chip in it. These are radio transmitters that prevent your car from being started without the right keys. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft because thieves had found a lot of ways to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch using the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve the problem since it would only allow the car to start for a short time while also registering that there was a genuine key in the ignition.
A standard transponder can look like a key made of steel with the top made of plastic. This plastic top houses the actual transponder, which will send an alert to your car when the key is close enough. The signal is comprised of an electronic serial number that is identical to the original transponder in 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 the car manufacturer has put in place because it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for anyone who doesn't have a valid key.
There are a variety of types of transponder keys which can be utilized in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some keys include a transponder chip in the head. Some have a remote fob that contains the transponder of the key. The key fobs will often feature buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your car and set the alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get a new transponder key for your vehicle and even program it for you, should you require it. The process is typically simple and only involves just a few steps. The new key must be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any automotive store. The transponder keys blanks will then have to be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The procedure of programming usually takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have the remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The key fob transmits an electronic signal to the vehicle to open doors or start the engine. If equipped, it can also open the boot.
It's important to remember that a car key fob isn't like the typical metal key that you may have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob on your own. It is always recommended to take your key fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have a key that folds inside it, similar to a switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be hidden away when not in use. You can find fobs without the foldable feature, which look like normal-sized keys.
If you lost your key fob, it could be a major hassle to find replacement. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealership. Often, dealers can only provide a fob that works with the specific model of your car. This is because the dealer has the technology experience to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
The process of getting a replacement key fob can be fairly simple if you have the right information. First, you have to know the year, model and year of your car. Also, you must have a working spare key to bring along.
Gather the necessary tools: Before trying to program your key fob, consult the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure that you have all the required tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a specific mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition at a specific number of times or some combination of these. Some manufacturers may even use a flashing light or a sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
You can take your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it cut and programmed. We can save you time and money because we cut your key fobs for a lower price than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer so you don't have hurry to get your keyfob programed and cut.