Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting keys for cars involves more than simply bending a piece metal. It's a skill that provides security, convenience and peace of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the appropriate key cutting method for your particular model and make. The process of cutting keys takes a matter of minutes and is cheaper than a replacement car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest form of car key and date back to the early days of locking mechanisms for automobiles. They are made up of ridges and grooves cut into them that line up with the pins in the lock that allows you to unlock it. The majority of hardware stores can duplicate mechanical keys, but locksmiths who have the right tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and can be used inside your car.
A professional locksmith will also be able to create laser cut keys. They are more secure than a standard mechanical key due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it more difficult to make copies and, if someone attempts to use a grinder on the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal scraps which will not fit into the lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented to add another layer of security. These keys have an embedded chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to inform it that it is authentic. If the chip in the key is not connected to your car it will not be able to start and remain in a standstill. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the newest advancement in car keys. These are a combination of a traditional mechanical key and a remote control. You can unlock and start your car with this key, and do it remotely. A professional auto locksmith mobile 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 their lost or damaged mechanical key from a hardware store but this is not a safe practice. Most hardware stores do not have the equipment or highly-trained professionals to make an effective key that will work in your vehicle. It is much safer to leave the creation 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 regular blanks, however, they provide an extra security layer to your car. Lasers are used to cut them from the middle, which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either side and still function. They have a distinctive design and are more difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to discern a laser-cut key 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. These keys are also less likely to get stuck in the lock since they are more precise cut.
When you insert the laser-cut keys inside your lock, a unique signal is sent to the car's receiver. This signals the car that it is the right key and can be started. If a criminal gets their hands on an unauthorised key, the vehicle transmitter will not register it. It will be unable to start.
Laser-cut keys have been used in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive to make than regular key blanks and require specialized equipment, but they provide an extra layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours, an experienced locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and efficiently for an affordable price.
It is possible that you will need the transponder chip installed in your key depending on the vehicle you drive. This isn't something you can do by yourself, and most car dealers will charge an amount of money to complete the task for you. A good locksmith can programme your transponder, but they may not have the same expertise than your local dealer.
Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of many newer vehicles to provide an extra layer security. These chips are registered with the ignition system, allowing it to verify the key prior to beginning the engine. Even if someone manages to steal the key and replicate it, they won't be able to use it to start your car as the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in the majority of cars manufactured within the last 20 years. They are basically radio transmitters that can keep your car from starting without the correct key in place. This was a major innovation in the fight against auto theft because thieves had discovered a myriad of ways to start vehicles through brute force (pushing the ignition switch using the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve all of that as it could only allow the car to turn on for a brief period of time while also registering that there was a valid key in the ignition.
A standard transponder key will look much like a normal metal key, but with a plastic top. This plastic top contains the actual transponder, which will transmit a signal to your car when the key is in close proximity. The signal is comprised of an electronic serial number that matches the original transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible, your car will allow you to operate it. This is the most effective anti-theft technology a car manufacturer can implement as it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone with an authentic key.
Based on the model, there are several different kinds of transponder keys that are available. Some have a traditional transponder chip that is housed inside the head of the key. Others have remote keys which includes the transponder for the key. The key fobs will often have buttons on them which allow you to lock and unlock your car and set the alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you acquire an updated transponder key to your car and can even program it for you, if necessary. This process is usually fairly simple and involves a few steps. First, the new key needs to be cut with an ordinary metal key cutter, which can usually be done at any auto store. Then, the blank transponder key will need to be programmed for your particular vehicle by an experienced auto locksmith. G28 Car Keys programming process is usually extremely quick and takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have the remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The key fob sends an alert from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. If it's equipped, it can also open the boot.
It is important to keep in mind that a car key fob is not like the traditional key you've got on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that must be correctly programmed to work with your specific vehicle. That's why you should never attempt to cut your fob yourself. It is best to leave cutting and programming of your key fobs to experts.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some come with keys that can be folded inside, much like the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be put away when it's not in use. There are fobs without the foldable feature that look like normal-sized keys.
It may be difficult to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It may require special tools or a visit to the dealer. Usually, the dealer will only provide a fob that works with your specific model. The dealer has the expertise to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
Fortunately, the process of getting the new key fob you want is fairly simple if you have the correct information. You'll be required to know the car's year, make, and model. Take with you a spare key that works.
Get the tools you need: Prior to trying to program your key fob, read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a particular mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition a certain number times or some combination of these. Some manufacturers may even employ an illuminated light or sound to signal the start of programming mode.
You can bring your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it programmed and cut. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs at a an affordable cost than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open longer than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.