Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind

Car key cutting is more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's a technique that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to vehicle owners.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the appropriate key cutting technique for your make and model. The key-cutting procedure takes only a few minutes and is cheaper than buying new car keys at the dealership.

Mechanical Keys

Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car key. They have a pattern of grooves and ridges cut into them that line up with the pin settings of the lock that allows you to unlock it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at many hardware stores, however an experienced locksmith with the right tools will generally have better success making copies that are more durable and will work inside your vehicle.

A professional locksmith can create laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys because they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it harder to duplicate and, if someone attempts to grind the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces that won't fit into the lock.

In the 1990s transponder keys were created to provide an additional layer of security. These keys have a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to let it know it is legitimate. If the chip in your car's key is not matched, your car won't start. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require professional programming.

Smart keys are the most recent evolution in car keys. They're a mix of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your car using the key, and lets you do it from an extended distance. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your car within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.

Many people may think that they can get a replacement for their damaged or lost mechanical key at hardware stores but this is not a good idea. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly trained professionals to make an authentic key that will work well in your vehicle. You'll save money and key cutting for cars be more secure if you delegate the making of the key to professionals.

Laser Keys

Laser cut keys are more costly to make than standard key blanks, but provide an additional layer of security for your car. Lasers are used to cut them from the middle, permitting them to be put into the lock at either side and still function. They have a distinctive pattern and are more difficult to duplicate.

The wider shank and smaller grooves can help you discern a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes the key more difficult to turn than the standard key which makes it harder for thieves to gain entry into your car without a lot of time and effort. Keys with this design are also less likely to get stuck in locks because they are more precise cut.

When you insert the laser-cut keys in your lock, a unique signal is sent to the car's receiver. This informs the car that it's the right key, and it can be started. If a criminal gets their hands onto an unauthorized key, the vehicle transmitter will not register it. It will refuse to start.

Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are used in many luxury cars. They cost more to make than regular keys and require special equipment, but they provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours a professional locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and easily for reasonable cost.

Depending on the car you drive depending on the model, you might need to include a transponder chip into the ignition to get it to work. This isn't something you can do on your own and the majority of car dealerships will charge you an expense of a few hundred dollars to complete the task for you. A reputable locksmith should be able to program your transponder for you, although they may not have the same level of expertise as your local dealer.

Transponder chips are included in the keys of a majority of newer cars to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with the car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the key before making the motor start. Even if a burglar is able to steal the key and duplicate it but isn't able to use it to start your car as the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the proper code.

Transponder Keys

Almost any car built in the last 20 years or so will have a transponder chip in it. These are radio transmitters that stop your car from being started without the correct keys. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft since thieves had discovered a variety of methods to start cars with brute force (pushing the ignition switch with the flat screwdriver) and key cutting for cars hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve the problem since it would only allow the car to be turned on for a short time, while also registering that there was a valid key in the ignition.

A normal transponder key will appear like a standard metal key with a transparent top. This plastic top contains the actual transponder which will transmit a signal to your car once the key is close to. This signal contains an electronic serial number that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals match, your car will allow you to operate it. This is the best security system the car keys cutting and programming manufacturer can employ since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without an authentic key.

Depending on the model, there are different types of transponder key that can be used. Certain keys come with a transponder chip in the head. Some also have an accessory fob that houses the transponder of the key. The key fobs will often have buttons on them that allow you to lock or unlock your car and set the alarm and perform other functions.

A locksmith can help you obtain an updated transponder key to your car and can even program it for you, should you require it. This process is usually fairly simple and involves a few steps. The first step is that the new key will need to be cut using a regular metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any automotive store. The blank transponder keys must then be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process is usually fast and takes around 10 minutes.

Key Fobs

Many modern vehicles have a remote keyless system that requires a fob. The key fob sends an alert from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if it is equipped.

It's important to remember that the car key fob isn't like the traditional metal key you might have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that has to be programmed correctly to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your own fob. It is best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to professionals.

Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with an open key that folds inside, much like the switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be put away when not in use. You can find fobs without the foldable feature, that look like normal-sized keys.

If you lose your key fob it could be a major pain to get an alternative. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers can often only provide an item that is compatible with your car. This is because the dealer has the technology expertise to make sure a replacement fob matches up with the security system of your vehicle.

Fortunately, the process of getting an entirely new key fob is fairly simple if you have the correct information. You will need to know your car's year, make and model. Also, you should have a working spare key that you can bring with you.

Get the tools you need: Prior to attempting to program your key cutting for cars (Butterleo 85 Bravejournal website) fob, consult the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a particular mode, which may require pressing certain buttons and turning the ignition off or on in a certain amount of times, or a combination. Some manufacturers might even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the start of programming mode.

You can take your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be programmed and cut. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs for the lower 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.