Why Key Cutting For Cars Is Your Next Big Obsession
Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting keys for cars requires more than just bent metal. It's a skill that provides security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting procedure for your car's brand and model. The key cutting process takes only few minutes and is cheaper than buying new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic type of car key and go back to the early days of locking mechanisms for automobiles. These keys have a pattern that matches the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, but a locksmith with the proper tools can make copies that are more durable and will work in your car.
A professional locksmith is also able to create 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 copy the key and if someone uses a grinder to try to duplicate the key they'll likely leave behind metal scraps which will not fit in your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an extra layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip in their head that transmits information to your car, so it can verify that it's a genuine key. If the chip inside your key isn't matched to your vehicle it will not begin and will remain unresponsive. These keys are more costly than a mechanical one and require expert programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the most recent development in car keys. They're an amalgamation of the traditional mechanical key and a remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your vehicle by using the key. It also allows you to do so from the distance. A mobile professional auto locksmith can make 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 to purchase a replacement mechanical key for damaged or lost keys. Most chains don't have the proper equipment or highly trained professionals to make an authentic key that will work well in your vehicle. It is safer to leave the design of your key to a professional, and you'll likely save money over the long term by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more costly to produce than standard key blanks, but provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. Lasers are used to carve keys from the middle, which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either end, and work. They have a unique design and are more difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to tell a laser-cut key apart from traditional bladed keys by the larger shank, which has smaller grooves that have been carved. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car because the key is more difficult to turn. The keys are less likely to be caught in the lock, as they have a more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut key into your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the car's receiver. This informs the car that it is the right key, and it can be used to start. If a criminal manages to obtain an unauthorized copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not register it and not start.
Laser-cut keys have been utilized in luxury cars since the 1990s. They cost more to make than regular key blanks and require specialized equipment, but they provide an extra layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours, a professional locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and efficiently for a reasonable price.
Depending on your car it may be necessary to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to allow it to work. You can't do this by yourself, and dealerships charge a significant amount to do it. A reliable locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder for you however they might not have the same amount of experience as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are included in the keys of a majority of modern cars to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system and permit it to verify that the key is genuine before allowing the engine to start. Even if the thief is capable of stealing and copying the key, they will not be able to start the car because the engine will not start if the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Almost any car built in the last 20 years or therefore will have a transponder chip in it. These are radio transmitters that prevent your car from being started without the correct keys. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft because thieves had found a lot of ways to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch with the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was a solution to all of this, since it allowed the car to turn on for a brief period of time. auto key cutting verified that there was a key in place.
A normal transponder will appear like a key made of metal with an outer cover made of plastic. The plastic top houses the transponder, which will send the signal to your car whenever the key is near enough. The signal is a digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder in your car. If the signals match, you will be capable of operating your car. This is one of the most effective methods of anti-theft technologies that the car manufacturer has put in place since it has made car theft almost impossible for anyone who doesn't have a valid keys.
There are a few different kinds of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some keys have a transponder chip inside the head. Some have a remote fob that contains the transponder of the key. The key fobs will often have buttons on them that can lock/unlock your vehicle and set the alarm and other functions.
A locksmith can assist you obtain an updated transponder key to your vehicle and even program it for you, should you require it. The process is generally straightforward and only requires just a few steps. First, the new key will need to be cut using a regular metal key cutter, which can be done at any auto retailer. The transponder keys blanks will then have to be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming is generally fast and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have a remote keyless system that requires a fob. The fob transmits an alert from your vehicle to unlock the doors or start the motor. If equipped, it can also unlock the boot.
Keep in mind that the car fob differs from the conventional keys that you might have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. You should never try to cut your key fob yourself. It is always recommended to bring your fob to a professional to cut and program it.
auto key cutting are usually small and rectangular. Some come with an internal key that folds into it, much like the switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and compact when not in use. There are also fobs that look more like the regular key, but without the foldable key.
It may be difficult to replace your key fob if you lose it. It may require specialized tools or a trip to a dealership. Often, the dealer can only provide a fob that is compatible with your specific model. The dealer has the expertise to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
Fortunately, the process of getting an entirely new key fob 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 works.
Gather Necessary Tools: Before trying to program your key fob, consult the manual of the manufacturer to ensure that you have all the required tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a specific mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition a certain number times or the combination of. Some manufacturers may even signal entry into programming mode by making a sound or flashing light.
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 at less than the dealership. In addition, we are open later than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to cut your key fob and programmed.