10 Things Everybody Gets Wrong About The Word "Key Cutting For Cars"
Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting involves more than simply cutting a piece of metal. It's a skill that provides security and ease of mind to car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the correct key cutting procedure for your model and make. The process of cutting keys is a matter of minutes and is cheaper than a replacement car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car key. These keys have a pattern of grooves and ridges carved into them that line up with the pin settings of the lock that allows you to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied at many hardware stores, however an experienced locksmith with the right tools will typically be more successful in making copies that are more durable and can work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also capable of creating laser cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys because they have grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to copy the key and if someone uses a grinder to try to duplicate the key, they'll likely leave some metal pieces that won't fit in the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an additional layer of security. These keys have a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your car to let it know it is genuine. If the chip inside the key is not connected to your vehicle it will not be able to start and remain in a standstill. These keys are more costly than a mechanical one and require professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the most recent development in car keys. These are an amalgamation of the traditional mechanical key and a remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your vehicle with the key, and allows you to do this from the distance. A mobile professional auto locksmith can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes using the most advanced technology.
Many people believe that they can find a replacement for their damaged or lost mechanical key at hardware stores but this is not a good idea. Most chains do not have the proper equipment or highly skilled professionals to make an authentic key that can be used in your vehicle. It is safer to leave the creation of your key to a professional and you will most likely save money in the end by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys may be more expensive than standard blanks however they add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle permitting them to be put into the lock at either end and still work. They feature a distinct pattern and are more difficult to duplicate.
The thicker shank with fewer grooves will help you discern a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This means the key is more difficult to turn than the standard key which makes it harder for thieves to gain entry into your car without much time and effort. They are also less likely to become stuck in the lock since they are more precise cut.
When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock it sends a signal to your car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This lets the car know that it is the right key and can be started. If a thief does manage to steal an unauthorized copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced in the 1990s, and are currently used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive to produce than standard keys and require specialized equipment, but they provide an extra layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours, a professional locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and easily for a reasonable price.
Depending on the car you drive depending on the model, you might need to include a transponder chip into the key to get it working. This isn't something you can do on your own and most dealers will charge an arm and a leg to perform the program for you. A reputable locksmith will be able program your transponder, however they might not have as much expertise as the local dealer.
Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips, which provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered with your car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the keys before starting the motor. Even if a burglar is able to steal the key and replicate it however, they will not be in a position to start your car as the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Most cars built in the past 20 years or therefore will have a transponder chip in it. They are basically radio transmitters that will keep your car from starting if you don't have the correct key in place. This was a major innovation in the fight against auto theft because thieves had found a lot of methods to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch using a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve 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 the ignition.
A normal transponder will appear like a metal key with the top made of plastic. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder, which will transmit a signal to your car whenever the key is close to. This signal has an electronic serial number that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals match the transponder, you'll be in a position to operate your vehicle. This is the most effective anti-theft technology an automaker can put in place as it makes car theft impossible for anyone who does not have a valid key.
Depending on the model, there are different types of transponder key that can be used. Some of them have an old-fashioned transponder chip that is located inside the head of the key. Some have an accessory fob that houses the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs usually come with buttons that allow you to lock/unlock the car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get an updated transponder key to your car and can even program it for you, if needed. The process is typically simple and requires only just a few steps. The new key needs to be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be done at any automotive store. Then, the blank transponder key must be programmed for your specific vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The process of programming is typically very quick and only takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars come with the remote keyless system which requires fob. The key fob transmits signals to your vehicle to open doors or start the engine. It can also open the trunk, provided it's equipped.
Remember that car key cutting and programming differs from the traditional metal keys that you might have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob by yourself. It is recommended to leave cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to experts.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some feature a key that folds inside it, similar to the switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and tucked away when not being used. You can find fobs without the foldable feature, which look like a regular-sized key.
If you lost your key fob, it can be a huge pain to get an alternative. It could require specialized tools or a visit to the dealer. Usually, the dealer will only offer a fob compatible with your specific model. The dealer has the technical knowledge to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining the new key fob you want is relatively simple when you have the correct information. You will need to know your car's year, make and model. You should also have a spare key with you to take along.
Gather Necessary Tools: Before trying to program your key fob, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a specific mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off a certain number times or some combination of these. Some manufacturers may even signal the switch to programming mode by sound or light flash.
After you've gathered all the necessary materials, you can bring your key fob to your nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can save your time and money since we cut your key fobs at a lower price than the dealership. We are open later than the dealership, so you won't need to rush in order to have your key fob programmed and cut.