mobile car key cutting Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting car keys involves more than just bent metal. It's an art form that guarantees security and convenience as well as peace of mind for vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the correct key cutting method for your particular model and make. The key cutting process takes only a few minutes and is cheaper than buying the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic form of car key and date back to the early days of automotive locks. They are made with patterns that match the pins of the lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied at many hardware stores, however a professional locksmith with the right tools will generally have better success making copies that are more durable and can work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also able to make laser-cut keys. These are more secure than a traditional mechanical key due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it harder to duplicate the key, and, if someone uses a grinder to try to duplicate the key, they'll likely leave the metal pieces that will not fit into your lock.
In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed to add another layer of security. They have an embedded chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to inform it that it is genuine. If the chip inside your key isn't matched to your vehicle it will not begin and will remain immobilised. These keys are more costly than a mechanical key and require professional programming and cutting.
Smart keys are the latest evolution in car keys. They're a combination of traditional mechanical keys and remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your car using the key, and allows you to do this from an extended distance. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best place to get an alternative 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 inside your vehicle. It is better to leave the design of your key to a professional and you'll likely save money in the long run by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys cost more to make than standard key blanks, but they provide a higher level of security for your car. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle allowing them to be inserted into the lock at either end, and work. They have a distinctive pattern and are more difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to discern a laser-cut key from traditional bladed keys due to the larger shank, which has smaller grooves that have been carved. This means the key is more difficult to turn than an ordinary key and makes it more difficult for thieves to open your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. They 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 distinct signal is sent to the car's receiver. This signals the car that it's the correct key and it can be used to start. If a thief gets their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it. It will be unable to start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are currently used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require special equipment to create, but they provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and easily at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
It is possible that you will need the transponder chip programmed into your key depending on the car you own. You can't do this yourself, and car dealerships charge a lot for it. A reputable locksmith will be able programme your transponder, but they might not have the same expertise than your local 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 with your ignition system, allowing it to verify the key prior to making the motor start. Even if someone is able to steal the key and duplicate it however, they will not be capable of using it to start your car since the engine will refuse to start in the event that it doesn't have a proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in nearly all vehicles built within the last 20 years. They are basically radio transmitters that stop your car from starting if you don't have the correct key installed. This was a significant breakthrough in the fight against car theft as thieves had developed many ways to start cars using brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip solved all of this because it could only allow the car to be turned on for a brief period of time, while also registering that there was a valid key in place.
A standard transponder can look like a key made of metal with an outer cover made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder which will send a signal to your car once the key is within close proximity. The signal is a digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder that is inside your car. If the signals match your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is the best anti-theft technology an automaker can put in place as it makes car theft impossible for anyone with an official key.
Depending on the model, there are several different kinds of transponder keys that can be used. Some are equipped with a traditional transponder chip that is located inside the head of the key. Some have a remote fob which houses the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs often come with buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you obtain an additional transponder key for your car and can even program it for you, should you require it. This process is usually simple and involves only the following steps. The first step is that the new key needs to be cut using the standard metal key cutter, which can be done at any auto retailer. Then, the blank transponder key must be programmed for your specific vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The programming process usually takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have a remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob transmits a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors or start the motor. If equipped, it can also open the boot.
It's important to remember that a car key fob isn't like the traditional key that you may have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that has to be properly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. That's why you should never attempt cutting your own fob. It's always best to bring your key fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with keys that folds inside, similar to an ad-hoc switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be hidden away when it's not in use. You can also find fobs that resemble an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob when you lose it. It could require specialized 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 technological experience to ensure that a replacement fob matches up with the security system of your vehicle.
Fortunately, the process of getting a new key fob is relatively simple when you have the correct information. You'll have to know your car's year of manufacture, year of manufacture, and model. Take along a spare key that works.
Make sure you have the required equipment Before you begin to program your keyfob go through the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the correct tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a particular mode, which may require pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition a certain number times or some combination of these. Some manufacturers might even employ an illuminated light or sound to signal the start of programming mode.
You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it cut and programmed. 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 cut your key fob and programmed.