Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's a skill that offers security and ease of mind to car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting technique for your particular model and make. The key-cutting procedure takes only a few minutes and is cheaper than buying new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car key. These keys have a pattern that matches the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. The majority of hardware stores can duplicate 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 creating laser cut keys. These 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 grinders to try to copy it they'll likely end up leaving behind metal scraps which won't fit in your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an additional layer of security. These keys have a small chip in the head that communicates to your car so it knows it's authentic keys. If the chip inside your car's key is not properly matched, the vehicle will not start. These keys are more expensive than a mechanical key and require a professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the latest evolution in car keys. They are the result of combining the traditional mechanical key and remote control. You can open and start your car with this key and operate it by remote. 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.
Many people believe that they can get an alternative for their lost or damaged mechanical key at a hardware store, but this is not a good idea. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly trained professionals to make an excellent key that works in your vehicle. You'll save money and be more secure if you let the creation of the key to an expert.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to produce than standard key blanks but they provide a higher level of security for your vehicle. G28CarKeys are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be inserted in the lock on either side, and work. They also have a different pattern and are harder to duplicate.
You can discern a laser-cut key from bladed keys with traditional design by the thicker shank that has smaller grooves that have been carved. This makes the key harder to turn than an ordinary key and makes it more difficult for thieves to open your car without much time and effort. These keys are less likely to get stuck in the lock since they have more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut keys into your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the car's receiver. This signals the car that it's the right key and allows it to start. If a criminal manages to get their hands on an unauthorized copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it and refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been used in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive to make than regular key blanks and require specialized equipment, but they add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and efficiently at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
Depending on the car you drive, you may need to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to allow it to work. It's not something you can do by yourself, and dealerships charge a lot to do it. A reputable locksmith can program your transponder, but they may not have the same expertise than your local dealer.
The majority of newer vehicles come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips, which provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system, allowing it to check that the key is genuine before starting the engine. Even if a thief is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they won't be able to start the car since the engine won't be able to start when the code isn't correct.
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 stop your car from being started without the correct keys. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft since thieves had discovered a myriad of ways to start vehicles with 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, as it only allowed the car to turn on for a short period of time and also registered that there was a key in place.
A standard transponder key will look much like a normal metal key with a transparent top. This plastic top contains the actual transponder, which will transmit a signal to your car once the key is close to. The signal is a serial number digital that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible, your car will allow you to operate it. This is one of the most effective methods of anti-theft technologies that manufacturers of cars have implemented as it has made car theft almost impossible for anyone who doesn't possess a valid key.
There are several kinds of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Some of them have the traditional transponder chip which is located in the head of the key. Some have a remote fob that contains the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs typically feature buttons which allow you to lock and unlock your car or set the alarm and other functions.
A locksmith can help get you a new transponder to your vehicle, and even program it if needed. This procedure is usually straightforward and involves only the following steps. First, the new key has to be cut using a regular metal key cutter, which can be done in any automotive store. Then, the transponder key must be programmed to your specific vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The procedure of programming usually takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars come with an electronic remote keyless system that requires fob. The key fob transmits an electronic signal to the vehicle to open doors or start the engine. It can also open the trunk, if it is equipped.
Be aware that the car fob is different from the traditional metal keys you've got on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that must be properly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your own fob. It is always advisable to bring your key fob to an expert to cut and program it.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with keys that fold inside it, similar to a switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be hidden away when not in use. There are also fobs that appear more like an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
If you lost your key fob, it could be a major pain to get replacement. It may require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, dealers can only provide a fob that works with your specific model. The dealer has the technical knowledge to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
Fortunately, the process of getting 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 car. Also, you must have a working spare key that you can bring with you.
Get the tools you need: Prior to beginning to program your key fob, consult the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a specific mode that might involve turning the ignition on and off at a specific number of times, pressing certain buttons or a combination of both. Some manufacturers may even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the start of programming mode.
Once you've gathered the required materials, you can bring your key fob to 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 an affordable cost than the dealership. We are also open longer than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.