These Are Myths And Facts Behind Key Cutting For Cars
Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It's a skill that provides security and ease of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting technique for your make and model. The key-cutting process takes a matter of minutes and is less expensive than a replacement car key purchased from a dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest form of car key and date back to the beginning of automobile locks. They have a pattern that matches the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at the majority of hardware stores, but a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will generally have better success making copies that are more durable and can work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also create laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they have grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to duplicate the key and, if someone uses grinders to try to copy it, they'll likely leave some metal pieces that won't fit in your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an additional layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip inside the head that communicates with your car, so it can verify that it's genuine keys. If the chip in your key is not matched to your car it will not begin and remain in a standstill. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the newest advancement in car keys. They're a mix of the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. This lets you unlock and start your car by using the key. It also allows you to do so from a distance. A mobile professional auto locksmith can create smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in a matter of minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option for a replacement mechanical key for the one that has been damaged or lost. Most chains don't have the proper equipment or highly skilled professionals to make an authentic key that works in your vehicle. It is much safer to leave the creation of your key to a professional and you'll save money in the long run by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys may be more expensive than standard blanks but they offer an extra security feature to your car. They are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be inserted into the lock from either side and still work. They feature a distinct pattern and are more difficult to duplicate.
You can distinguish a key made of lasers from bladed keys with traditional design by the larger shank, which has fewer carved grooves. This makes the key harder to turn than an ordinary key, making it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. The keys are less likely to get stuck in the lock as they have a more precise cutting.
When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock, it sends a signal to the car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This lets the car know it's the right key and it can be used to start. If a thief gets their hands on an unauthorised key, the car's transmitter will not recognize it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to create, but they provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace it quickly and at a reasonable price if you lose it.
Depending on your car it may be necessary to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to allow it to work. This isn't something you can do on your own and the majority of car dealerships will charge you an arm and a leg to do it for you. A reputable locksmith can programme your transponder, but they might not have the same expertise than your local dealer.
The majority of newer vehicles come with laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips that provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system, allowing it to check that the key is legitimate before you start the engine. Even if a burglar manages to steal the key and duplicate it, they won't be able to use it to start your car since the engine won't start if it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Almost any car built in the past 20 years or that's why it has a transponder chip in it. These are radio transmitters that will stop your car from starting if you don't have the correct key in place. 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 using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve all of this because it only allowed the car to start for a short time, while also registering that there was a genuine key in the ignition.
A normal transponder key will appear like a normal metal key with a transparent top. The plastic top houses the actual transponder, which will send a signal to your car once the key is within close proximity. The signal is comprised of the digital serial number that matches the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals match your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is the most effective security system a car manufacturer can implement as it makes car theft impossible for anyone with an official key.
There are keys cut of kinds of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, based on the model. Certain keys come with a transponder chip inside 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/unlock the car, 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 you need to. The process is generally straightforward and only requires several steps. The new key has to be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any automotive store. The transponder keys that are blank must then be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process usually takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars use the remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob is used to send an alert from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. If it's equipped, it can also unlock the boot.
Remember that a car fob is different from the traditional metal keys that you might have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. Don't try to cut your key fob on your own. It is always recommended to take your key fob to a professional to cut and program it.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with an internal key that folds into it, similar to a switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and compact when not being used. There are also fobs that resemble a regular key, without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob, it could be a major trouble to obtain a replacement. It may require special tools or a visit to the dealer. Dealers can often only provide an item that is compatible with the model you have. This is because the dealer has the technological experience to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
Fortunately, the process of getting an entirely new key fob is relatively simple when you have the correct information. First, you have to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Bring an extra key that works.
Get the necessary equipment Before you attempt to program your keyfob, check the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the right tools and equipment. You'll be required to enter a specific mode, which may require pressing certain buttons and turning the ignition off or on a certain number times or a combination. Some manufacturers may even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
You can take your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be programmed and cut. We can save your time and money since we cut your key fobs for less than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open longer than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.
