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

Car key cutting is more than cutting a piece of metal. It's a skill that offers security and ease of mind to car owners.

Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting method for your vehicle's make and model. The key cutting process takes only few minutes and is much less expensive than purchasing 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 keys. They have patterns that match the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied from most hardware stores, but an experienced locksmith with the right tools will typically have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and can work in your vehicle.

A professional locksmith will also be able to create laser cut keys. These are more secure than a standard mechanical key because they feature grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it more difficult to make copies and, if someone attempts to grind the key, they'll likely leave behind a large amount of metal pieces that won't fit into your lock.

In the 1990s transponder keys were invented to provide an additional layer of security. These keys contain a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it is authentic. If the chip in your key isn't matched to your car, it will not start and remain in a standstill. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require professional programming.

Smart keys are the most recent evolution in car keys. These are an amalgamation of traditional mechanical keys and remote control. You can unlock and start your car with this key and do so remotely. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your car in minutes using the latest technology.

Hardware stores aren't the best option to purchase a replacement mechanical key for a lost or damaged one. The majority of hardware stores do not have the tools or highly-trained professionals to make a key that works well in your car. It is much safer to leave the design of your key to a professional and you will most likely save money over the long term by choosing this option.

Laser Keys

Laser cut keys are more expensive than standard blanks however they add an additional security layer to your vehicle. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle allowing them to be inserted into the lock on either end, and work. They also have a different pattern that is difficult to duplicate.

The thicker shank with less grooves will allow you to identify a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This makes the key more difficult to turn than an ordinary key which makes it harder for thieves to open your car without much time and effort. They are also less likely to become stuck in locks because they have a more precise cut.

When you insert the laser-cut key inside your lock, a unique signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This informs the car that it's the correct key, and allows it to start. If a thief does manage to steal an unauthorized copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not register it and will refuse to start.

Laser-cut keys have been utilized in luxury cars since the 1990s. They cost more to make than regular keys and require specialized equipment, but they do add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours an experienced locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and at a reasonable price.

Depending on the model of your car depending on the model, you might need to have a transponder chip programmed into the ignition to get it working. This isn't something that you can do on your own, and most car dealerships will charge you an amount of money to complete the task for you. A reliable locksmith will be able program your transponder, however they might not have as much expertise as your local key cutting dealer.

The majority of newer vehicles come with keys laser-cut that have transponder chips that provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system, allowing it to confirm that the key is genuine before starting the engine. Even if a thief is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they will not be able use it to start the car because the engine won't be able to start in the event that the code isn't valid.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips can be found in almost all cars built within the last 20 years. These are radio transmitters that can keep 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 because thieves had discovered a myriad of methods to start cars through brute force (pushing the ignition switch with a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was a solution to all of this because it only allowed the car to turn on for a brief period of time and also registered that there was a key inside.

A standard transponder can look like a metal key with the top made of plastic. This plastic top houses the transponder that will send an alert to your car whenever the key is near enough. The signal is a serial number digital that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible, your car will allow you to operate it. This is the best anti-theft system that the car manufacturer can locksmith cut car keys employ since it makes car theft impossible for anyone without an authentic key.

Based on the model, there are several different kinds of transponder keys that can be used. Some keys include a transponder chip in the head. Others come with remote keys which includes the transponder of the key. Key fobs usually come with buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your car and set an alarm and perform other functions.

A locksmith can help get you a new transponder for your vehicle and will program it if needed. This procedure is usually straightforward and requires only a few simple steps. The new key has to be cut using a key cutter. This can be done at any automotive store. The blank transponder keys will then need to be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process is usually very quick and only takes about 10 minutes.

Key Fobs

A lot of modern cars come with an electronic remote keyless system that requires fob. The key fob sends a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. If it is equipped, it will also unlock 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 complex piece of electronic equipment that has to be correctly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob yourself. It's always best to bring your fob to a professional to cut and program it.

Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with keys that can be folded inside, much like an ad-hoc switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be tucked away when it's not in use. There are also fobs that look more like the regular key, but without the foldable key.

If you lose your key fob it could be a major trouble to obtain a replacement. It may require special tools or a visit to the dealer. Dealers typically only offer an item that is compatible with your model. This is because the dealer has the technological expertise to make sure the replacement fob works with your car's security system.

Fortunately the process of obtaining an entirely new key fob is relatively simple when you have the right details. You'll have to know your car's year, make, and model. Also, you must have a spare key cutting key with you to take along.

Get the tools you need: Prior to beginning to program your key fob, make sure you read the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You will need to enter a particular mode that may require switching the ignition on and off for a certain amount of times, pressing specific buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers may even use an illuminated light or sound to signal the switch to programming mode.

You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be programmed and cut. We can save you time and money because we cut your key fobs at less than the dealership. In addition, we are open later than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.