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 offers security and ease of mind for car owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the appropriate key cutting procedure for your make and model. The process of cutting keys is just a few minutes and is cheaper than buying a new car key purchased from a dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the most basic kind of car key. They have patterns that match the pins of the lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied at most hardware stores, but a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will usually be more successful in making copies that are more durable and will work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also able to make laser-cut keys. They are more secure than traditional mechanical key because they feature grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it more difficult to duplicate the key, and, if someone uses a grinder to attempt to do so, they'll likely leave the metal pieces that will not fit into the lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were created as an additional layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip in their head that transmits information to your car so it knows it's a genuine key. If the chip in the key is not connected to your vehicle it will not be able to start and will remain unresponsive. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the latest evolution in car keys. They are the result of combining traditional mechanical keys and remote control. This lets you unlock and start your car using the key, and allows you to do so from a distance. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your car in minutes using the latest technology.
key cutting price think they can find an alternative for their damaged or lost mechanical key at hardware stores however this isn't a good idea. The majority of hardware stores do not have the equipment or highly-trained professionals to make keys that work 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 choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys may be more expensive than standard blanks, however, they provide an extra layer of security to your car. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle, permitting them to be put into the lock on either end and still work. They also have a unique pattern that is difficult to duplicate.
The wider shank and smaller grooves can help you identify a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car because the key is more difficult to turn. Keys with this design are less likely to get caught in the lock, because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert a laser-cut keys into your lock it sends a signal to your car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the correct key, and it can be used to start. If a criminal manages to obtain an unauthorized copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it and refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s and are now used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to make, but they provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and efficiently at a reasonable cost should you lose it.
You may need to have the transponder chip installed in your key, based on the car you own. This isn't something you can do on your own and the majority of car dealers will charge an expense of a few hundred dollars to complete the task for you. A reliable locksmith will be able program your transponder, however they may not have the same experience as the local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of most newer vehicles to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system, allowing it to confirm that the key is authentic before you start the engine. Even if a thief manages to steal the key and duplicate it however, they will not be able to use it to start your car because the engine won't start in the event that it doesn't have a proper code.
Transponder Keys
Almost any car built in the last 20 years or so will have an embedded transponder chip within it. These are radio transmitters that can stop your car from starting without the proper key in place. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft since thieves had found a lot of methods to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch with the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved all of this because it could only allow the car to be turned on for a brief period of time, but also verify that there was a genuine key in the ignition.
A regular transponder will look like a key made of metal with an outer cover made of plastic. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder which will transmit a signal to your car when the key is in close proximity. The signal is the digital serial number that matches the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals match the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is the most effective anti-theft system that an automaker can put in place because it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without a valid key.
Based on the model, there are several different types of transponder key that are available. Some are equipped with an old-fashioned transponder chip that is contained inside the head of the key. Others have an electronic key fob that includes the transponder for the key. The key fobs will often feature buttons that can lock/unlock your vehicle, set the alarm, and many other functions.
A locksmith can help you get you a new transponder for your vehicle and will program it if you need to. The process is generally straightforward and only requires several steps. The new key has to be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any automotive store. Then, the blank transponder key will need to be programmed for your particular vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The process of programming typically takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have an electronic remote keyless system that requires a fob. The fob is used to send a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if it is equipped.
It's important to remember that the car key fob isn't like the typical metal key you might have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your own fob. It is best to leave cutting and programming of your key fobs to experts.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside, similar to an ad-hoc switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and tucked away when not being used. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature that look like normal-sized keys.
If you lose your key fob it can be a real trouble to obtain an alternative. It may require special tools or a visit to the dealer. Dealers can often only provide the key fob that is compatible with your model. The dealer has the technical knowledge to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's security system.
The process of obtaining the replacement key fob you need can be quite simple if have the correct information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your car. Also, you must have a spare key that you can bring with you.
Get the tools you need: Prior to attempting to program your key fob, consult the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a specific mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons and turning the ignition off or on a certain number times or the combination of. Certain manufacturers may also signal the switch to programming mode by making a sound or light flash.
Once you've collected the necessary items, you can take your key fob into your closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money as we cut your key fobs for a lower price than the dealership. We are also open longer than the dealership so you don't need to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.