A Guide To Key Cutting For Cars From Start To Finish
Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting car keys involves more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's an art that ensures security, convenience, and peace of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key using the appropriate key cutting method for your vehicle's make and model. The key cutting process takes only few minutes and is less expensive than buying the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car key. They are made up of grooves and ridges cut into them that line up with the pin settings 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 better success making copies that are more durable and can work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith will also be capable of making laser-cut keys. They are more secure than a traditional mechanical key because they feature grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it harder to make copies, and if someone tries to use a grinder on the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal scraps that won't fit into your lock.
In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed to provide an additional layer of security. They have a tiny chip in their head that communicates with your car so it knows it's authentic keys. If the chip in your key isn't matched to your vehicle it will not begin and will remain unresponsive. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than mechanical keys and require a professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the latest evolution in car keys. They're a combination of a traditional mechanical key and remote control. This lets you unlock and start your car using the key, and allows you to do so from the distance. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your car in minutes using the latest technology.
Many people may think that they can get an alternative for their damaged or lost mechanical key from a hardware store but this is not an appropriate method. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly trained professionals to make a quality key that works in your vehicle. You'll save money as well as be more secure if you let the making of the key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to make than standard keys, but offer an additional layer of security for your vehicle. They are carved from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be placed into the lock on either side and still function. They also have a distinct design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The thicker shank with fewer grooves will help you identify a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. 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 get caught in the lock, since they have more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut key in your lock, a unique signal is sent to the car's receiver. This informs the car that it's the correct key and allows it to start. If a thief gets their hands on a stolen key, the car's transmitter will not register it. It will be unable to start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s, and are currently used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive to make than regular keys and require specialized equipment, but they provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace it quickly and efficiently at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
You may need to have the transponder chip programmed into your key based on the car you own. This isn't something that you can do on your own, and most car dealerships will charge an arm and a leg to complete the task for you. A good locksmith will be able programme your transponder, but they might not have the same expertise as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of most newer vehicles to provide an extra layer security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system and allow it to check that the key is genuine before starting the engine. Even if the person who stole it is capable of stealing and copying the key, they will not be able to use it to start the car as the engine will not start if the code isn't correct.
car key cutters built in the past 20 years or so will have a transponder chip inside of it. These are radio transmitters that make sure your car isn't started without the right keys. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft as thieves had developed many ways to start cars using brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch with flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the answer to all of this, because it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short amount of time and also registered that there was a key inside.
A regular transponder will look like a key made of metal with an outer cover made of plastic. This plastic top houses the actual transponder which sends an alert to your car when the key is near enough. The signal is a digital serial number that matches the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals are compatible, you will be in a position to operate your vehicle. This is the most effective security system a car manufacturer can implement since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone with an authentic key.
There are a few different types of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some keys have a transponder chip inside the head. Some have a remote fob which houses the transponder of the key. Key fobs usually include buttons which allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle or set the alarm and many other functions.
A locksmith can assist you acquire an updated transponder key to your car, and can program it for you, if necessary. The process is generally easy and requires only a few steps. The first step is that the new key has to be cut using the standard metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any auto store. Then, the blank transponder keys will need to be programmed for your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The process of programming is typically very quick and only takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have the remote keyless system which requires a fob. The fob is used to send an alert from your vehicle to unlock the doors or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if equipped.
It's important to remember that a car key fob isn't like the traditional key you might have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt cutting your own fob. It's always best to bring your key fob to a professional to cut and program it.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have a key that folds inside, similar to a switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be hidden away when it's not in use. You can find fobs without the foldable feature, which appear like regular-sized keys.
It can be difficult to replace your key fob when you lose it. It may require specialized tools or a trip to the dealership. Often, the dealer can 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 the replacement fob works with the security system of your vehicle.
The process of getting an alternative key fob could be quite simple if have the correct details. You will have to know your car's year, make and model. Also, you should have a working spare key with you to take along.
Gather the Necessary Equipment Before you attempt to program your keyfob, review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the right tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a specific mode that could involve turning the ignition on and off for a certain amount of times, triggering certain buttons or a combination of both. Some manufacturers might even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it programmed and cut. We can save you time and money as we cut your key fobs for less than the dealership. We are also open later than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.