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 technique that offers security and ease of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the correct key cutting technique for your make and model. The process of cutting keys is just a few minutes and is much less costly than buying a new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car keys. They are made with a pattern that matches the pins of the lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied from many hardware stores, however a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will generally have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and can work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also able to create laser cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to duplicate the key, and if someone uses grinders to try to do so, they'll likely leave some metal pieces that will not fit into the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an extra layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip in their head that communicates with your car to ensure it's a genuine key. If the chip inside the key of your car is not compatible, your vehicle will not start. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than a mechanical key and require a professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the latest development in car keys. These are the result of combining traditional mechanical keys and a remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your car with the key, and allows you to do this from an extended distance. A professional auto locksmith on the move can create smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the latest technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best option for a new mechanical key to replace damaged or lost keys. The majority of hardware stores do not have the necessary equipment or highly-trained professionals to create keys that work in your vehicle. You'll save money and be more secure if you let the making of the key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys cost more to produce than standard keys, but provide an additional layer of security for your car. They are cut from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be placed into 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 bladed keys with traditional design by the larger shank, which has smaller grooves that have been carved. This means the key is more difficult to turn than a standard key and makes it more difficult for thieves to open your car without a lot of time and effort. They are also less likely to get stuck in the lock since they are more precise cut.
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 correct key and allows it to start. If car key cut cost does manage to obtain an unauthorized copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been utilized in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to create, but they provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours an experienced locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and at reasonable cost.
Depending on the car you drive, you may need to include a transponder chip into the key to allow it working. You can't do this yourself, and car dealerships charge a lot for it. A reliable locksmith can program your transponder, but they may not have the same expertise as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of a majority of newer cars to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system, allowing it to verify that the key is authentic before starting the engine. Even if a thief is able to steal the key and duplicate it but isn't capable of using it to start your car since the engine will refuse to start if it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in nearly all vehicles built within the last 20 years. These are essentially radio transmitters that can stop your car from starting if you don't have the proper key in place. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft as thieves had found a lot of methods to start cars with brute force (pushing the ignition switch using the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved all of that as it only allowed the car to turn on for a brief period of time while also registering that there was a genuine key in the ignition.
A normal transponder keys will look like a regular metal key with a plastic top. This plastic top contains the actual transponder which will send a signal to your car when the key is close to. This signal contains an electronic serial number that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is one of the best forms of anti-theft technologies that a car manufacturer has implemented since it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for those who do not have a valid keys.
Based on the model, there are different types of transponder key that can be used. Certain keys come with a transponder chip in the head. Some also have a remote fob which houses the key transponder. Key fobs usually include buttons that permit you to lock/unlock the car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get you a new transponder for your vehicle and will program it if needed. This process is usually fairly easy and requires only several steps. The new key must be cut using a key cutter. This can be accomplished at any automotive store. The transponder keys that are blank will then have to be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process usually takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have an electronic keyless entry system that requires a 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 note that a car key fob isn't like the traditional metal key you might have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your fob yourself. It's always best to bring your fob to an expert to cut and program it.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some have keys that folds inside, like an ad-hoc switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be hidden away when not being used. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, that appear like regular-sized keys.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob when you lose it. It may require specialized tools or a trip to a dealership. Often, dealers can only offer a fob compatible with your specific model. This is because the dealer has the technology know-how to ensure that the replacement fob works with the security system of your vehicle.
Fortunately the process of obtaining the new key fob you want is fairly easy if you have the right details. You will have to know your car's year, make, and model. Also, you should have a working spare key that you can bring with you.
Gather Necessary Tools: Before beginning to program your key fob, consult the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you have all the required tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a special mode that may require switching the ignition off and on for a certain amount of times, pressing certain buttons or a combination of both. Some manufacturers may even signal the entry into programming mode with a sound or flashing light.
After you've gathered all the necessary items, you can take your key fob into your nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs at a the lower cost than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open later than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to get your key fob cut and programmed.