Key Cutting For Cars: Myths And Facts Behind Key Cutting For Cars
Car Key Cutting – Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind Car key cutting is more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's an art that ensures security, convenience, and peace of mind for car owners. Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting method for your car's brand and model. The key cutting process takes only few minutes and is much less expensive than purchasing the new car key from the dealership. Mechanical Keys Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car keys. They have a pattern of ridges and grooves cut into them that align with the pins in the lock that allows you to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied from many hardware stores, however a professional locksmith with the right tools will usually be more successful in making copies that are more durable and will work in your vehicle. 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 make a copy and, if someone attempts to use a grinder on the key, they'll likely leave behind a lot of metal scraps that will not fit in the lock. Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an additional layer of security. They have a tiny chip inside the head that communicates with your car, so it can verify that it's genuine keys. If the chip in your key isn't matched to your vehicle it will not be able to start and will remain immobilised. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require expert programming. Smart keys are the latest evolution in car keys. They're a mix of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your vehicle using the key, and allows you to do this from an extended distance. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology. Hardware stores aren't the best option for a new mechanical key to replace the one that has been damaged or lost. The majority of hardware stores do not have the equipment or highly-trained professionals to make a key that works well inside your vehicle. It is better to leave the design of your key to a professional and you'll likely save money in the end by opting for this method. Laser Keys Laser cut keys cost more to make than standard key blanks, but they provide a higher level of security for your car. They are carved from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be inserted into the lock from either side, and work. They also have a distinct pattern and are harder to duplicate. The wider shank and less grooves will allow you to distinguish a laser-cut from a traditional bladed key. This makes the key harder to turn than an ordinary key and makes it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your car without much time and effort. Keys with this design are less likely to get trapped in locks, because they are more precise cutting. When you insert a laser-cut keys into your lock it sends a signal to the car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This lets the car know it's the right key and it can be used to start. If a criminal manages to steal an unauthorized copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it and will refuse to start. Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to create keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and at a reasonable price if you lose it. You may need to have the transponder chip programmed in your key based on the vehicle you drive. This isn't something you can do by yourself, and most car dealers will charge an expense of a few hundred dollars to do it for you. A reliable locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder for you even though they may not have the same level of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with. The majority of newer vehicles come with keys laser-cut that have transponder chips that provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system and allow it to check that the key is authentic before you start the engine. Even if someone manages to steal the key and duplicate it but isn't in a position to start your car because the engine will refuse to start in the event that it doesn't have a correct code. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are found in nearly all vehicles built in the past 20 years. 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 as thieves had discovered a variety of ways to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch using the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved the problem since it would only allow the car to turn on for a brief period of time while also registering that there was a valid key in place. A normal transponder key will appear like a standard metal key, but with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the actual transponder that will send an alert to your car whenever the key is near enough. This signal contains the digital serial number that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals match the transponder, you'll be in a position to operate your vehicle. This is the most effective security system an automaker can put in place since it makes car theft impossible for anyone who does not have an official key. There are a few different kinds of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, depending on the model. Certain keys come with a transponder chip in the head. Some also have an accessory fob that houses the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs typically have buttons on them that can lock/unlock your vehicle or set the alarm and other functions. A locksmith can assist you acquire an additional transponder key for your vehicle and even program it for you, if needed. This process is usually fairly straightforward and only requires a few steps. The new key needs to be cut using a key cutter. This can be done at any automotive store. Then, the transponder key will need to be programmed for your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The procedure of programming usually takes about 10 minutes. Key Fobs Many modern cars have a remote keyless system that requires a fob. The fob sends signals to your vehicle to unlock doors and start the engine. If it is equipped, it will also open the boot. It is important to keep in mind that the car key fob is not like the traditional metal key you've got on your keychain. online 's a complex piece of electronic equipment that needs to be programmed correctly to work with your specific vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob yourself. It's always best to take your fob to a professional for cutting and programming. Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some come with a key that can be folded inside, like the switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and tucked away when not being used. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, that appear like regular-sized keys. If you lose your key fob, it can be a real trouble to obtain replacement. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Usually, the dealer will only offer a fob compatible with the specific model of your car. This is because the dealer has the technology know-how to ensure that a replacement fob matches up with the security system of your vehicle. Fortunately, the process of getting a new key fob is fairly easy if you have the right details. You'll be required to know the car's year, make and model. Take along a spare key that works. Gather the Necessary Equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob, go through the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the right tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a particular mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off in a certain amount of times, or a combination. Some manufacturers may even use a flashing light or a sound to signal the start of programming mode. You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be programmed and cut. We can save you time and money because we cut your key fobs at cheaper than the dealership. In addition, we are open later than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.