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 to car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key using the appropriate key cutting method for your vehicle's make and model. The process of cutting keys takes just few minutes and is much less expensive than purchasing new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car key. They have a pattern of grooves and ridges carved into them that line up with the pin settings in the lock that allows you to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied at many hardware stores, however a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will generally have better success making copies that are more durable and will work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also be capable of creating laser cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to make copies and, if someone attempts to use a grinder on the key, they will likely leave behind a large amount of metal scraps which will not fit into the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an additional layer of security. These keys contain a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your car to inform it that it is authentic. If the chip inside the key is not connected to your vehicle it will not begin and remain in a standstill. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require a professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the newest advancement in car keys. These are a combination between the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can open and start your car using this key, and do it by remote. A mobile auto locksmith can make smart keys for your car in a matter of minutes using the most recent technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best place to get an alternative mechanical key for the one that has been damaged or lost. Most hardware stores do not have the tools or highly-trained professionals to create keys that work in your vehicle. You will save money and be safer if you leave the creation of the key to professionals.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys cost more to make than standard key blanks, but they provide a higher level of security for your car. They are carved from the middle using a laser which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either side, and work. They also have a distinct pattern and are harder to duplicate.
It is possible to distinguish a key made of lasers from traditional bladed keys due to the wider shank with less grooves carved. 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 be caught in the lock, since they have more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut key into your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This informs the car that it's the right key, and it can be used to start. If a burglar is able to get their hands onto an unauthorized key, the vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been used in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require special equipment keys, but they do provide an extra layer security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and at a reasonable cost if you lose it.
Depending on the car you drive depending on the model, you might need to have a transponder chip programmed into the ignition to get it working. This isn't something you can do on your own and most dealerships will charge an arm and a leg to complete the task for you. A reliable locksmith will be able programme your transponder, but they may not have the same expertise as the local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of most newer cars to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system and allow it to confirm that the key is legitimate before you start the engine. Even if the thief is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they will not be able to start the car since the engine won't start when the code isn't correct.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in almost all cars built within the last 20 years. These are radio transmitters that make sure your car isn't started without the correct keys. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft as thieves had found a lot of ways to start vehicles by brute force (pushing the ignition switch with the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved the problem since it would only allow the car to start for a brief period of time, but also verify that there was a genuine key in place.
A standard transponder can look like a metal key with the top made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder that will send a message to your car when the key is close to. This signal contains an electronic serial number that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals match the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is one of the most effective methods of anti-theft technologies that the car manufacturer has put in place since it has made car theft nearly impossible for those who do not possess a valid key.
Based on the model, there are different types of transponder key that can be used. Some keys have a transponder chip inside the head. Some have a remote fob that contains the transponder chip of the key. G28 Car Keys fobs usually have buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get a new transponder key for your car and can even program it for you, if needed. This process is usually fairly easy and requires only several steps. The new key needs to be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be done at any car dealership. The blank transponder keys must then be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming typically takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have an electronic remote keyless system that requires a fob. The key fob sends a signal from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. If it's equipped, it can also unlock the boot.
It's important to remember that a car key fob is not like the traditional metal key you might have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that needs to be correctly programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. It is not recommended to cut your key fob by yourself. It's always best to take your key fob to a professional to cut and program it.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some have a key that folds inside it, much like a switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and compact when not being used. There are also fobs that appear more like an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
If you lost your key fob, it could be a major pain to get an alternative. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealership. Dealers typically only offer the key fob that is compatible with your model. This is because the dealer has the technology know-how to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with the security system of your vehicle.
Fortunately the process of obtaining a new key fob is fairly easy if you have the right information. You will need to know your car's year of manufacture, year of manufacture, and model. Bring an extra key that is functional.
Gather Necessary Tools: Before attempting to program your key fob, consult the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you have all the required tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a specific mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition in a certain amount of times, or the combination of. Certain manufacturers may also signal the entry into programming mode by sound or light flash.
You can take your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it programmed and cut. We'll save your time and money since we cut your key fobs at less than the dealership. We are open later than the dealership and you won't have to rush to work to get your keyfob programmed and cut.