Eden Mayers
Blog entry by Eden Mayers
Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting involves more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's a skill that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting procedure for your car's make and model. The key-cutting process takes only a few minutes and is cheaper than purchasing a new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest form of car key blade cutting key and date back to the beginning of automotive locks. These keys have a pattern of ridges and grooves cut new car key near me into them that align with the pins in the lock that allows you to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied at most hardware stores, but a professional locksmith with the right tools will typically be more successful in making copies that are more durable and work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also able to create laser cut keys. They are more secure than a traditional mechanical key due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it more difficult to duplicate the key, and if someone is using grinders to try to do so they'll likely leave behind metal scraps which will not fit in your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an extra layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip in the head that communicates with your car, so it can verify that it's authentic keys. If the chip in your key isn't matched to your car it will not begin and will remain immobilised. These keys are more costly than a mechanical key and require a professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the newest technology in car keys. They're a mix of the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. This lets you unlock and start your car by using the key. It also allows you to do this from a distance. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your car within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Many people may think that they can find a replacement for their damaged or lost mechanical spare key cutting from a hardware store, but this is not a good idea. The majority of chains don't have the proper equipment or highly trained professionals to make a quality key that works in your vehicle. You'll save money and be more secure if you delegate the making of the key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive than standard blanks however, they provide an extra security layer to your vehicle. Lasers are used to cut them from the middle, which allows them to be inserted into the lock at either end and still work. They also have a unique pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to distinguish a key made of lasers from traditional bladed keys by the thicker shank that has fewer carved grooves. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car because the key is more difficult to turn. They are also less likely to get stuck in the lock because they are more precise cut.
When you insert a laser-cut keys into your lock, it sends a signal to the car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the right key and can be started. If a thief is able to get their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle 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 them, but they offer an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose one, an experienced locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and at a reasonable price.
Depending on the car you drive, you may need to include a transponder chip into the key cutting business to get it working. You cannot do this by yourself, and dealerships charge a lot to do it. A reputable locksmith should be able to program your transponder for you however they might not have the same degree of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
The majority of newer vehicles come with laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips that provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered with the car's ignition system, which allows it to verify the keys before starting the motor. Even if a burglar 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 when it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Almost any car built in the last 20 years or so will have a transponder chip inside of it. These are essentially radio transmitters that prevent your car from starting if you don't have the proper key in place. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft since thieves had discovered a variety of ways to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch with the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the answer 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 keys will look like a normal metal key with a plastic top. This plastic top houses the actual transponder which sends the signal to your car when the key is near enough. This signal contains the digital serial number which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals are compatible, you will be able to operate your car. This is one of the best forms of anti-theft technology that manufacturers of cars have implemented because it has made car theft nearly impossible for those who do not have a valid key.
There are several types of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Some keys have a transponder chip inside the head. Others come with a remote key fob that includes the transponder of the key. Key fobs usually have buttons on them which allow you to lock and unlock your car or set the alarm and other functions.
A locksmith can assist you obtain a new transponder key for your vehicle and even program it for you, if necessary. The process is typically simple and requires only a few simple steps. First, the new key has to be cut with a regular metal key cutter, which can usually be done at any auto store. The transponder keys that are blank will then need to be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming is generally very quick and only takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have an electronic remote keyless system that requires a fob. The fob is used to send an alert from your vehicle to unlock the doors or start the motor. If it is equipped, it will also open the boot.
It is important to keep in mind that a car key fob isn't like the typical metal key you've got on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. That's why you should never attempt to cut your own fob. It is recommended to leave the cutting and programming of your fobs to professionals.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have keys that fold inside it, much like a switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be hidden away when not being used. You can find fobs without the foldable feature that look like normal-sized keys.
If you lose your key fob, it can be a huge trouble to obtain replacement. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers usually only offer a key fob that is compatible with the model you have. This is because the dealer has the technology expertise to make sure a replacement fob matches up with your car's security system.
The process of obtaining an alternative key fob could be quite simple if have the right information. You'll be required to know the car's year, make, and model. Also, you must have a working Spare Key cutting key to bring along.
Gather the Necessary Equipment Before you begin to program your keyfob check the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure you have the right tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a particular mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off a certain number times or some combination of these. Some manufacturers might even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
You can bring your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it cut and programmed. We'll save your time and money since we cut your key fobs for a lower price than the dealership. We are also open longer than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to get your key fob cut and programmed.