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, convenience and peace of mind to vehicle owners.

Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting technique for your car's brand and model. The key cutting process takes only a few minutes and is less expensive than buying the new car key from the dealership.

Mechanical Keys

Mechanical keys are the most basic form of car key and dates back to the early days of locking mechanisms for automobiles. They are made up of grooves and ridges cut into them that line up with the pin settings in a specific lock to open it. Hardware stores are able to copy mechanical keys, however locksmiths who have the right tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and will work in your vehicle.

A professional locksmith is also able to make keys that are laser-cut. They are more secure than mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to duplicate or if someone tries to use a grinder on the key, they'll likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces that will not fit in the lock.

Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an additional layer of security. These keys have a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your car to let it know it is authentic. If the chip inside your key isn't matched to your car, it will not start and will remain immobilised. These keys are more costly than a mechanical key and require professional programming and cutting.

Smart keys are the latest technology in car keys. They're a mix of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. You can unlock and start your car using this key and do so remotely. A professional auto locksmith mobile can create smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in a matter of minutes, using the most advanced technology.

Hardware stores aren't the best option for an alternative mechanical key for damaged or lost keys. Most chains do not have the right equipment or highly skilled experts to make a quality key that will work well in your vehicle. You will save money and be safer if you leave the design of your key to an expert.

Laser Keys

Laser cut keys are more expensive than standard blanks but they offer an extra security feature to your car. They are carved from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be placed in the lock on either side and still function. They have a unique design and are more difficult to duplicate.

You can distinguish a key made of lasers from traditional bladed keys by the wider shank with less grooves carved. This means that the key is more difficult to turn than a standard key which makes it harder for thieves to gain entry into your car without a lot of time and effort. The keys are less likely to be caught in the lock, because they are more precise cutting.

When you insert the laser-cut automobile keys Made near me in your lock, a unique signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This lets the car know it's the correct key, and allows it to start. If a burglar does manage to get their hands on an unauthorised copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and not start.

Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are currently used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace it quickly and at a reasonable price if you lose it.

Depending on the model of your car it may be necessary to include a transponder chip into the key cut service to allow it working. This isn't something that you can do on your own, and most car dealerships will charge an arm and a leg to perform the program for you. A reliable locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder on your behalf however they might not have the same degree of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.

Transponder chips are included in the keys of a majority of newer cars to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system, allowing it to verify that the key is legitimate before allowing the engine to start. Even if a thief is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they won't be able use it to start the car since the engine won't start in the event that the code isn't valid.

Transponder Keys

Almost any car built in the last 20 years or so will have an embedded transponder chip within it. These are radio transmitters that prevent your car from being started without the correct keys. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft, as thieves had come up with a variety of ways to start cars using brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using screwdrivers with flat blades) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the solution to all of this as it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short amount of time and also registered that there was a key present.

A normal transponder key will look much like a standard metal key with a plastic top. This plastic top houses the transponder which sends a signal to your car when the key is close enough. This signal has the digital serial number that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible then you'll be able to operate your car. This is the most effective security system the car manufacturer can employ since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone who does not have an official key.

There are a variety of types of transponder keys which can be utilized in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some are equipped with the traditional transponder chip which is located inside the head of the key. Others have a remote key fob that includes the transponder of the spare key cutting. Key fobs usually come with buttons that allow you to lock/unlock the car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.

A locksmith can help you get you a new transponder to your vehicle and will program it if needed. This process is usually fairly simple and involves just a few steps. The first step is that the new key has to be cut using the standard metal key cutter, which can usually be done at any automotive store. Then, the blank transponder key will need to be programmed for your particular vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The programming process is usually extremely quick and takes around 10 minutes.

Key Fobs

Many modern cars use the remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The key fob transmits a signal to your vehicle to open doors or start the engine. If equipped, it can also open the boot.

Be aware that the car fob differs from the traditional metal keys you've got on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that needs to be programmed correctly to work with your specific vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt cutting your own fob. It's always best to take your key fob to a professional to cut and program it.

Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have a key that folds inside, much like the switchblade. This lets the fob be smaller and to be stored away when not being used. You can find fobs without 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 special tools or a trip to a dealership. Usually, the dealer will only offer a fob compatible with the specific model of your car. The dealer has the expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's security system.

Fortunately, the process of getting a new key fob is fairly simple if you have the right details. First, you have to know the year, model and year of your car. Bring an extra key that is functional.

Get the necessary equipment Before you begin to program your keyfob, go through the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer to ensure you have the correct tools and equipment. You will need to enter a specific mode that might involve turning the ignition on and off at a specific number of times, triggering certain buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers might even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the entry into programming mode.

After you've gathered all the necessary items, you can take your key fob into your closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money as we cut your key fobs for cheaper than the dealership. We are also open later than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to get your key fob cut and programmed.