Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just creating a metal piece. 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 procedure for your make and model. The key-cutting procedure takes only about a minute and is less expensive than buying a new car key at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car keys. They have patterns that match the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, but a locksmith with the proper tools can create copies that are more durable and will work in your car.
A professional locksmith will also be able to create laser cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to make a copy, and if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they will likely leave behind a large amount of metal scraps which will not fit into your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an additional layer of security. These keys contain an embedded chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to inform it that it is legitimate. If the chip in the key is not connected to your car, it will not start and will remain unresponsive. Keys that are programmed to be more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the latest technology in car keys. They're a combination of the traditional mechanical key and remote control. This lets you unlock and start your vehicle using the key, and allows you to do so from a distance. A mobile professional auto locksmith can make smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the latest technology.
Many people believe that they can get an alternative for a damaged or lost mechanical key from hardware stores, but this is not a good idea. Most chains don't have the proper equipment or highly trained professionals to make a quality key that works in your vehicle. It is much safer to leave the design of your key to a professional, and you'll save money over the long term by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive than standard blanks but they offer an extra security layer to your vehicle. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle, permitting them to be put into the lock at either side and still function. They also have a different pattern and are harder to duplicate.
It is possible to distinguish a key made of lasers from traditional bladed keys due to the larger shank, which has fewer carved grooves. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car as the key is more difficult to turn. Keys with this design are less likely to get caught in the lock, since they have more precise cutting.
When auto key cutting machine insert a key cut with lasers into your lock it sends a signal to the car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the right key, and it can be started. If a criminal manages to get their hands onto an unauthorized key, the vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require special equipment to create keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. If you lose one, a professional 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 get it working. You can't do this yourself, and dealers charge a lot for it. A reputable locksmith will be able to program your transponder for you even though they may not have the same amount of experience as your local dealer.
The majority of modern cars have laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips to add an extra layer of security. These chips are synchronized with your car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the key prior to beginning the engine. Even if a thief is able to steal the key and copy it but isn't capable of using it to start your car since the engine won't start in the event that it doesn't have a proper code.
Transponder Keys
Almost any car built in the last 20 years or that's why it has an embedded transponder chip within it. These are radio transmitters that prevent your car from being started without the right 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 using a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was a solution to all of this, since it allowed the car to turn on for a short period of time, and also confirmed that there was a key inside.
A standard transponder can look like a key made of steel with a top made of plastic. This plastic top houses the actual transponder that will send an alert to your car whenever the key is close enough. This signal contains a digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder in your car. If the signals match then you'll be able to operate your car. This is among the most effective forms of anti-theft technology a car manufacturer has implemented since it has made car theft almost impossible for those who do not have a valid key.
There are a variety of types of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, based on the model. Some have a traditional transponder chip that is contained inside the head of the key. Some have a remote fob which houses the key transponder. Key fobs usually come with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you acquire an updated transponder key to your vehicle and even program it for you, if needed. The process is generally easy and requires only several steps. First, the new key will need to be cut with an ordinary metal key cutter, which can be done in any automotive retailer. Then, the blank transponder key will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle by an experienced auto locksmith. The process of programming typically takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars use the remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob transmits the vehicle a signal to unlock the doors or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if equipped.
Remember that the car fob differs from the conventional keys you may have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob on your own. It is always recommended to bring your fob to a professional for cutting and programming.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some have a key that can be folded inside, similar to an ad-hoc switchblade. This lets the fob be smaller and to be stored away when not in use. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, that look like a regular-sized key.
If you lose your key fob it can be a real pain to get replacement. It may require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, dealers can only offer a fob compatible with the specific model of your car. The dealer has the technical knowledge to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining the new key fob you want is fairly simple if you have the correct information. First, you have to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. Also, you must have a working spare key to bring along.
Get the necessary equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob, review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure you have the right tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a particular mode that might involve turning the ignition on and off for a certain amount of times, triggering certain buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers will even signal the switch to programming mode with a sound or flashing light.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money because we cut your key fobs for a lower price than the dealership. We are open later than the dealership, so you won't need hurry to get your keyfob programed and cut.