Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting car keys involves more than just bending a piece metal. It's a skill that provides security, convenience and peace of mind to vehicle 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 brand and model. The key cutting process takes only about a minute and is cheaper than buying the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car keys. They have a pattern that matches the pin settings of a lock to open it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at most hardware stores, but an experienced locksmith with the right tools will usually be more successful in making copies that are more durable and work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith will also be able to create laser cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys as they have grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to make a copy and, if someone attempts to use a grinder on the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces which will not fit into your lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented to add another layer of security. These keys have a small chip in their head that communicates with your car so it knows it's authentic keys. If the chip in the key of your car is not compatible, your vehicle will not start. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the most recent evolution in car keys. They are an amalgamation of a traditional mechanical key and remote control. This lets you unlock and start your vehicle using the key, and lets you do it from an extended distance. A mobile professional auto locksmith can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the latest technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option for a replacement mechanical key for damaged or lost keys. laser key cutting do not have the equipment or highly-trained experts to create 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 likely save money in the end by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive than standard blanks, however they add an additional security layer to your vehicle. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle permitting them to be put into the lock on either end and still work. They have a distinctive pattern that is more difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and less grooves will allow you to distinguish a laser-cut from a bladed traditional key. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car since the key is more difficult to turn. These keys are less likely to be stuck in the lock because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock, it sends a signal to the car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the correct key, and can be started. If a burglar does manage to get their hands on an unauthorized copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it and refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require special equipment them, but they offer an additional layer of security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace it quickly and at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to include a transponder chip into the key to get it working. It's not something you can do yourself, and dealers charge a lot to do it. A good locksmith can programme your transponder, but they might not have the same experience as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of most newer cars to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with the car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the key prior to beginning the engine. Even if a thief is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they will not be able use it to start the car because the engine won't be able to start in the event that the code isn't valid.
Transponder Keys
Most cars built in the past 20 years or therefore will have a transponder chip inside of it. They are basically radio transmitters that stop your car from starting without the proper key in place. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft because thieves had discovered a myriad of ways to start cars with brute force (pushing the ignition switch with a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the answer to all of this, because it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short amount of time and also registered that there was a key in place.
A standard transponder can look like a key made of steel with an outer cover made of plastic. This plastic top houses the actual transponder which sends an alert to your car whenever 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, you will be able to operate your car. This is the best security system a car manufacturer can implement because it makes car theft impossible for anyone without a valid key.
There are several types of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some have an old-fashioned transponder chip that is housed inside the head of the key. Some also have a remote fob that contains the transponder of the key. Key fobs usually have buttons on them that allow you to lock or unlock your vehicle, set the alarm, and other functions.
A locksmith can help get you a new transponder to your vehicle and can even programme it if required. The process is generally easy and requires only a few steps. The new key has to be cut using a key cutter. This can be accomplished at any automotive store. The blank transponder keys must then be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming typically takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have the remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob sends a signal to your vehicle to unlock doors and start the engine. It also opens the trunk, if it is equipped.
It's important to remember that the car key fob is not like the typical metal key that you may have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob yourself. It is always advisable to bring your key fob to an expert to cut and program it.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some feature keys that fold inside it, much like a switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be tucked away when it's not in use. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature that look like normal-sized keys.
If you lose your key fob it can be a real hassle to find an alternative. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Usually, the dealer will only provide a fob that works with the specific model of your car. The dealer has the technical knowledge to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
The process of finding a replacement key fob can be quite simple if have the right information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, make and model of your car. Take with you a spare key that is functional.
Gather the necessary tools: Before trying to program your key fob, consult the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You will need to enter a particular mode that may require turning the ignition on and off a certain number of times, pressing certain buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers may even signal the switch to programming mode with a sound or flashing light.
You can take your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it programmed and cut. We'll save you time and money because we cut your key fobs at less than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open longer than the dealership so you don't have to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.