What Key Cutting For Cars Will Be Your Next Big Obsession?
Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting keys for cars involves more than just bending a piece metal. It's an art that ensures security, convenience, and peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key using the appropriate key cutting method for your vehicle's make and model. The key cutting process takes only about a minute and is less expensive than buying the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest type of car key and dates back to the early days of locking mechanisms for automobiles. These keys have patterns that match the pins of the lock to unlock it. Hardware stores are able to copy mechanical keys, however locksmiths who have the right tools can create copies that are more durable and work in your car.
A professional locksmith is also capable of making laser-cut keys. They are more secure than a standard mechanical key since they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it more difficult to duplicate the key and if someone is using a grinder to try to copy it they'll likely end up leaving behind metal scraps which will not fit in the lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented to add another layer of security. They have an embedded chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it is legitimate. If the chip in the key is not connected to your vehicle it will not be able to start and will remain immobilised. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the newest evolution in car keys. They're a mix of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. You can open and start your vehicle with this key and do so by remote. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your car within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best place to get an alternative mechanical key for the one that has been damaged or lost. The majority of chains don't have the proper equipment or highly skilled professionals to be able to create an authentic key that can be used in your vehicle. It is much safer to leave the creation of your key to a professional, and you'll likely save money in the long run by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive than regular blanks, however, they provide an extra security feature to your car. They are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be put in the lock on either side, and work. They also have a distinct pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
You can distinguish a key made of lasers from traditional bladed keys due to the wider shank with smaller grooves that have been carved. This means the key is harder to turn than the standard key, making it more difficult for thieves to open your car without much time and effort. Keys with this design are less likely to be trapped in locks, 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. replacement car key cutting informs the car that it's the right key and it can be used to start. If a thief does manage to obtain an unauthorised copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced in the 1990s and are used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive to make than regular keys and require specialized equipment, but they add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours a professional locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and efficiently for a reasonable price.
Depending on the model of your car depending on the model, you might need to include a transponder chip into the key to allow it to work. This isn't something you can do on your own and most dealerships will charge an arm and a leg to complete the task for you. 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 included in the keys of many newer vehicles to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with your car's ignition system, which allows it to verify the key before making the motor start. Even if the thief is able to steal and duplicate the key, they won't be able to use it to start the car because the engine will not start when the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in the majority of cars manufactured in the last 20 years. These are radio transmitters that keep your car from starting if you don't have the correct key in place. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft, since thieves had devised a variety of ways to start cars using brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip was a solution to all of this, because it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short amount of time. It also verified that there was a key in place.
A normal transponder keys will look like a normal metal key with a transparent top. This plastic top houses the actual transponder which sends a signal to your car whenever the key is close enough. The signal is comprised of an electronic serial number that matches the original transponder that is inside your car. If the signals match the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is the most effective security system a car manufacturer can implement since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without a valid key.
Based on the model, there are different kinds of transponder keys that are available. Some of them have an old-fashioned transponder chip that is contained in the head of the key. Some have a remote fob that contains the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs often come with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder to your vehicle, and even programme it if required. This process is usually simple and only involves the following steps. The new key must be cut using a key cutter. This can be done at any auto shop. Then, the transponder key must be programmed for your specific vehicle by an experienced auto locksmith. The process of programming is generally extremely quick and takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have the remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob is used to send the vehicle a signal to open the doors or start the motor. It can also open the trunk, if equipped.
It's important to remember that the car key fob is not like the traditional key you might have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that must be properly programmed to work with your specific vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob on your own. It is recommended to leave the cutting and programming of your key fobs to experts.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with keys that can be folded inside, much like a switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be hidden away when it's not being used. There are also key cutting open now that resemble 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 visit to the dealer. Dealers typically only offer an item that is compatible with your car. The dealer has the expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining a new key fob is fairly simple if you have the right information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Bring an extra key that is functional.
Get the necessary equipment Before you begin to program your keyfob, review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the right tools and equipment. You'll be required to enter a particular mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off at a specific number of times or some combination of these. Certain manufacturers may also signal the switch to programming mode with a sound or flashing light.
After replacement car key cutting gathered all the necessary materials, you'll be able to bring your key fob into your nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We'll save your time and money since we cut your key fobs for a lower price than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open later than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to get your key fob cut and programmed.