Key Cutting For Cars's History Of Key Cutting For Cars In 10 Milestones
Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting involves more than simply bent metal. It's a technique that offers security and ease of mind to car owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting method for your model and make. The process of cutting keys takes only a few minutes and is cheaper than purchasing a new car key purchased from a dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car key. They are made with a pattern that matches the pin settings of a lock to open it. Hardware stores are able to copy mechanical keys, but a locksmith with the proper tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and will work inside your car.
A professional locksmith will also be able to create laser cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys because they have grooves on both sides. This makes it more difficult to make copies and, if someone attempts to use a grinder on the key, they'll likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces that will not fit in your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an additional layer of security. These keys contain a chip inside 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 compatible, your vehicle will not start. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than a mechanical key and require a professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the most recent evolution in car keys. They're a mix of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. You can open and start your car using this key and do so by remote. A mobile professional auto locksmith can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes using the latest technology.
Hardware stores are not the best place to get an alternative mechanical key for damaged or lost keys. The majority of hardware stores don't have the necessary equipment or highly-trained experts to create an effective key that will work in your vehicle. It is safer to hand over the making of your key to a professional and you will most likely save money in the long run by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys can be more expensive than standard blanks however they add an additional security feature to your car. They are cut from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be put in the lock on either side and still work. They also have a distinct pattern and are harder to duplicate.
You can distinguish a key made of lasers from bladed keys with traditional design by the wider shank with less grooves carved. This means the key is harder to turn than an ordinary key which makes it harder for thieves to open your car without much time and effort. These keys are less likely to be trapped in locks, since they have more precise cutting.
When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock, it sends a signal to the car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. click informs the car that it's the correct key, and it can be used to start. If a burglar does manage to get their hands on an unauthorized copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not register it and refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced in the 1990s and are now used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require special equipment to make, but they provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace yours quickly and efficiently at a reasonable price if you lose it.
Depending on your car it may be necessary to have a transponder chip programmed into the ignition to get it to work. You cannot do this yourself, and dealers charge a lot for it. A good locksmith can program your transponder, however they may not have the same experience than your local dealer.
Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system, allowing it to verify that the key is legitimate before starting the engine. Even if a burglar succeeds in stealing the key and replicate it however, they will not be able to use it to start your car because the engine will refuse to start if it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in nearly all vehicles built in the past 20 years. These are radio transmitters that make sure your car isn't started without the correct keys. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft, as thieves had come up with a variety of ways to start cars using brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch with flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip was a solution to all of this, as it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short amount of time, and also confirmed that there was a key in place.
A normal transponder will appear like a metal key with an outer cover made of plastic. This plastic top contains the actual transponder which will send a message to your car once the key is in close proximity. The signal is a serial number digital that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is the best anti-theft system that the car manufacturer can employ because it makes car theft impossible for anyone with an official key.
There are several types of transponder keys which can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Some keys include a transponder chip inside the head. Some also have a remote fob which houses the key transponder. Key fobs often come with buttons that allow you to lock and unlock your car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you get an additional transponder key for your vehicle and even program it for you, should you require it. The process is generally simple and involves a few steps. First, the new key has to be cut using an ordinary metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any auto retailer. The transponder keys blanks will then have to be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming is typically fast and takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have an electronic remote keyless system that requires fob. The fob transmits the vehicle a signal to open the doors or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if equipped.
Be aware that the car fob is different from the conventional keys you may have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob yourself. It is always advisable to bring your fob to a professional for cutting and programming.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have a key that folds inside, similar to the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be hidden away when it's not in use. There are also fobs that resemble the regular key, but without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob it can be a real hassle to find an alternative. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealership. Dealers can often only provide a key fob that is compatible with your model. The dealer has the technical expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining the new key fob you want is relatively simple when you have the right information. You will have to know your car's year of manufacture, year of manufacture, and model. Bring with you a spare key that works.
Gather the necessary tools: Before trying to program your key fob, make sure you read the manual of the manufacturer to ensure that you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You'll be required to enter a particular mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off a certain number times or a combination. Certain manufacturers may also signal entry into programming mode by making a sound or flashing light.
You can bring your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it programmed and cut. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs at an affordable cost than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open longer than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.