5 Key Cutting For Cars Lessons From Professionals
Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It's a skill that provides security and ease of mind to vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the appropriate key cutting method for your model and make. The process of cutting keys is just a few minutes and is much less costly than purchasing a new car key purchased from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic form of car key and date back to the beginning of locking mechanisms for automobiles. They have an arrangement that is in line with the pins of the lock to open it. The majority of hardware stores can duplicate mechanical keys, however locksmiths who have the right tools can create copies that are more durable and will work in your car.
A professional locksmith is also capable of making laser-cut keys. These are more secure than traditional mechanical key due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to copy the key and if someone is using a grinder to try to duplicate the key they'll likely leave behind metal scraps which will not fit into the lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented as an additional layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip in the head that communicates to your car so it knows it's authentic keys. If the chip inside the key of your car is not matched, your vehicle will not start. Keys that are programmed to be more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the newest evolution in car keys. They're the result of combining the traditional mechanical key and remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your vehicle using the key, and 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 believe that they can get an alternative for their damaged or lost mechanical key at a hardware store, but this is not a safe practice. Most hardware stores do not have the tools or highly-trained professionals to make a key that works well in your car. It is better to leave the design of your key to a professional and you'll likely save money in the long run by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to produce than standard key blanks but offer an additional layer of security for your car. They are carved from the middle using a laser which allows them to be put in the lock on either side, and work. They also have a unique pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
The thicker shank with smaller grooves can help you discern a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car as the key is more difficult to turn. These keys are also less likely to become stuck in the lock since they have a more precise cut.
When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock it sends a signal to the car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the correct key, and that it is able to be started. If a thief manages to get their hands onto an unauthorized key, the vehicle transmitter will not register it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s and are used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive to produce than standard key blanks and require specialized equipment, but they provide an extra layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours a professional locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and at reasonable cost.
Depending on the car you drive depending on the model, you might need to include a transponder chip into the key to allow it to work. It's not something you can do by yourself, and dealerships charge a significant amount to do it. A reliable locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder for you however they might not have the same level of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of many modern cars to provide an extra layer security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system and permit it to check that the key is genuine before starting the engine. Even if a thief manages 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 correct code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are found in almost all cars built in the last 20 years. They are basically radio transmitters that can keep your car from starting without the correct key installed. This was a major innovation in the fight against auto theft since thieves had discovered a myriad of ways to start vehicles by brute force (pushing the ignition switch with a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the answer to all of this, since it allowed the car to be turned on for a short period of time. It also verified that there was a key inside.
A standard transponder key will look much like a regular metal key with a plastic top. This plastic top houses the actual transponder, which will send a signal to your car when the key is near enough. The signal is the digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals are compatible, you will be in a position to operate your vehicle. This is among the most effective methods of anti-theft technologies that a car manufacturer has implemented because it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for anyone who does not possess a valid key.
Based on the model, there are different kinds of transponder keys that can be used. Certain keys come with a transponder chip in the head. Others have a remote key fob that has the transponder for the key. Key fobs usually have buttons on them that can lock/unlock your vehicle and set the alarm and other functions.
A locksmith can help you get an additional transponder key for your car, and can program it for you, should you require it. The process is generally simple and involves several steps. First, the new key has to be cut with an ordinary metal key cutter, which is usually be done in any automotive store. The transponder keys blanks will then need to be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process is usually fast and takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars use a remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob is used to send an alert from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. It can also open the trunk, if it is equipped.
Keep in mind that a car fob is different from the traditional metal keys you may have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. That's why you should never attempt to cut your own fob. It is always advisable to take your key fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some come with keys that fold inside it, similar to a switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and to be stored away when not being used. You can also find fobs that appear more like an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob, it could be a major trouble to obtain replacement. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, local key cutting can only offer a fob compatible with your specific model. The dealer has the expertise to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's security system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining a new key fob is fairly easy if you have the correct information. First, you have to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. Take with you a spare key that is functional.
Gather Necessary Tools: Before beginning to program your key fob, consult the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a specific mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons and turning the ignition off or on a certain number times or the combination of. Some manufacturers may even employ a flashing light or a sound to signal the entry into programming mode.
Once you've collected the necessary materials, you can bring your key fob into your closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can save you time and money as we cut your key fobs at a lower price than the dealership. We are open earlier than the dealer, so you won't need hurry to have your key fob programmed and cut.