10 Key Cutting For Cars Tricks Experts Recommend
Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than cutting a piece of metal. It's a technique that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the appropriate key cutting technique for your particular model and make. The key-cutting process takes a matter of minutes and is cheaper than buying a new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic type of car key and go back to the early days of automotive locks. They have a pattern that matches the pins of the lock to unlock it. Hardware stores are able to copy mechanical keys, but a locksmith with the proper tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and will work inside your car.
A professional locksmith is also capable of making laser-cut keys. They are more secure than a traditional mechanical key since they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to duplicate 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.
In the 1990s transponder keys were created to add another layer of security. These keys have a small chip in their head that transmits information to your car to ensure it's genuine keys. If the chip in your key is not matched to your vehicle it will not be able to start and remain in a standstill. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the latest development in car keys. They are a combination of the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can open and start your vehicle with this key and operate it remotely. A professional auto locksmith on the move can make replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes using the most advanced technology.
Many people think they can find an alternative for their damaged or lost mechanical key at a hardware store, but this is not a good idea. The majority of chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled experts to make a quality key that will work well in your vehicle. It is much safer to hand over the making of your key to a professional, and you'll likely save money in the end by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to make than standard key blanks but offer an additional layer of security for your car. They are carved from the middle using a laser which allows them to be placed into the lock on either side, and work. They also have a unique pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and less grooves will allow you to identify a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This means that the key is harder to turn than the standard key which makes it harder for thieves to open your car without a lot of time and effort. Keys with this design are less likely to be caught in the lock, as they have a 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 signals the car that it's the right key and can be started. If a burglar does manage to obtain an unauthorised copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require special equipment to make keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and efficiently at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
Depending on the car you drive it may be necessary to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to get it working. You cannot do this yourself, and dealers charge a lot to do it. A reputable locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder on your behalf, although they may not have the same level of expertise as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of many newer vehicles to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with your car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the key before beginning the engine. Even if someone manages to steal the key and replicate it but isn't able to use it to start your car because the engine will refuse to start in the event that it doesn't have a proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in the majority of cars manufactured in the last 20 years. They are basically radio transmitters that prevent your car from starting if you don't have the correct key installed. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft as thieves had discovered a myriad of methods to start cars through 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, because it only allowed the car to turn on for a short period of time and also registered that there was a key cutter for cars in place.
A regular transponder will look like a key made of steel with an outer cover made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder which sends an alert to your car whenever the key is close enough. The signal is the digital serial number that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals match then you'll be capable of operating your car. This is among the most effective methods of anti-theft technology the car manufacturer has put in place as it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for those who do not possess a valid key.
Based on the model, there are different kinds of transponder keys that can be used. Some of them have the traditional transponder chip which is located in the head of the key. Some also have a remote fob which houses the transponder of the key. Key fobs usually include buttons that can lock/unlock your car and set the alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you obtain a new transponder key for your vehicle and even program it for you, if needed. This procedure is usually straightforward and requires only just a few steps. The first step is that the new key has to be cut using a regular metal key cutter, which can be done at any automotive retailer. The transponder keys that are blank will then have to be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming is typically extremely quick and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars come with an electronic remote keyless system that requires a fob. The fob's key sends signals to your vehicle to open doors or start the engine. It can also open the trunk, if it is equipped.
It is important to keep in mind that the car key fob isn't like the typical metal key you might have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be correctly programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. You should never try to cut your key fob on your own. It is best to leave cutting and programming of your key fobs to experts.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some feature an internal key that folds into it, similar to the switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be hidden away when not being used. You can find fobs without the foldable feature that look like normal-sized keys.
If you lose your key fob it can be a huge trouble to obtain a replacement. It may require special tools or a trip to a dealer. Dealers can often only provide the key fob that is compatible with your model. This is because the dealer has the technological experience to ensure that the replacement fob works with the security system of your vehicle.
Fortunately the process of obtaining an entirely new key fob is relatively simple when you have the right details. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Take an extra key that is functional.
Get the tools you need: Prior to trying to program your key fob, local consult the manual of the manufacturer to ensure you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You will need to enter a special mode that may require turning the ignition on and off at a specific number of times, pressing specific buttons or the combination of both. Certain manufacturers may also signal entry into programming mode by sound or flashing light.
You can bring your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs at a much more reasonable price than the dealership. We are also open longer than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.