Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than creating a metal piece. It's a technique that offers security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the correct key cutting technique for your particular model and make. The key-cutting process takes a matter of minutes and is much less costly than a replacement car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest form of car key and dates back to the early days of automotive locks. They have a pattern of ridges and grooves cut into them that align with the pin settings in the lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied at many hardware stores, however an experienced locksmith with the right tools will usually have better success making copies that are more durable and work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also be capable of making laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides. This makes it harder to duplicate the key, and if someone uses a grinder to attempt to copy it they'll likely leave behind metal scraps which will not fit into your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an extra layer of security. They have a tiny chip inside the head that transmits information to your car to ensure it's a genuine key. If the chip inside your car's key is not compatible, your car won't start. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require a professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the latest evolution in car keys. They are an amalgamation of the traditional mechanical key and remote control. This lets you unlock and start your vehicle using the key, and lets you do it from a distance. A professional auto locksmith on the move can create smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in just a few minutes using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores are not the best place to get a new mechanical key to replace a lost or damaged one. The majority of hardware stores don't have the equipment or highly-trained professionals to create an effective key that will work in your car. You will save money and be more secure if you let the making of the key to professionals.
key cutting open now cut keys are more expensive than standard blanks, but they offer an extra security layer to your vehicle. They are cut from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be put into the lock on either side, and work. They also have a distinct pattern and are harder to duplicate.
The longer shank that is thicker and has fewer grooves will help you distinguish a laser-cut from a traditional bladed key. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car as the key is harder to turn. These keys are less likely to get caught in the lock, since they have more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut key inside your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the car's receiver. This informs the car that it's the right key, and it can be used to start. If a thief is able to get their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys have been utilized in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive to produce than standard key blanks and require specialized equipment, but they do add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose one, an experienced locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and easily for reasonable cost.
Depending on your car depending on the model, you might need to include a transponder chip into the ignition to get it to work. You cannot do this by yourself, and dealerships charge a lot for it. A good locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder on your behalf even though they may not have the same amount of experience as your local dealer.
Most newer cars come with keys laser-cut that have transponder chips, which provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system and permit it to check that the key is authentic before allowing the engine to start. Even if a burglar is able to steal the key and replicate it, they won't be in a position to start your car since the engine will refuse to start in the event that it doesn't have a correct code.
Transponder Keys
Most cars built in the past 20 years or therefore will have a transponder chip in it. These are radio transmitters that stop your car from starting without the proper key in place. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft as thieves had discovered a myriad of ways to start vehicles by brute force (pushing the ignition switch with a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve the problem since it could only allow the car to turn on for a brief period of time, but also verify that there was a genuine key in the ignition.
A regular transponder will look like a metal key with a top made of plastic. The plastic top houses the transponder that will send a signal to your car whenever the key is near enough. This signal contains a serial number digital which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals are compatible your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is the best anti-theft technology a car manufacturer can implement as it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without an official key.
Depending on the model, there are several different types of transponder key that are available. Some keys have a transponder chip inside the head. Some have a remote key fob which includes the transponder of the key. The key fobs will often feature buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your vehicle and 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 only involves a few simple steps. The first step is that the new key has to be cut using an ordinary metal key cutter, which can usually be done at any automotive retailer. The transponder keys blanks must then be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming is typically extremely quick and takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have the remote keyless system which requires a fob. The key fob sends the vehicle a signal to open the doors or start the motor. It can also open the trunk, if equipped.
Keep in mind that a car fob is different from the traditional metal keys you've got on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob by yourself. It's always best to take your key fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have an open key that folds inside, much like an ad-hoc switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be put away when not being used. You can find fobs without the foldable feature, which look like a regular-sized key.
If you lose your key fob, it can be a real trouble to obtain replacement. It may require special tools or a visit to the dealer. Dealers can often only provide a key fob that is compatible with your model. The dealer has the expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
The process of obtaining a replacement key fob can be relatively simple if you have the correct information. You will have to know your car's year of manufacture, year of manufacture, and model. Bring along a spare key that is functional.
Gather Necessary Tools: Before trying to program your key fob, read the manual of the manufacturer to ensure you have all the required tools and equipment. You will need to enter a specific mode that could involve switching the ignition on and off at a specific number of times, triggering certain buttons or a combination of both. Some manufacturers may even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the start of programming mode.
After you've gathered all the necessary items, you can take your key fob to the 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 much more reasonable price than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open longer than the dealership so you don't need to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.