What Key Cutting For Cars Should Be Your Next Big Obsession?

Car Key Cutting – Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It's a technique that provides security and ease of mind for car owners. Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting procedure for your car's make and model. The key-cutting process takes only a few minutes and is much less costly than purchasing a new car key from the dealership. Mechanical Keys Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car key. They have a pattern of ridges and grooves cut into them that align with the pin settings in the lock that allows you to open it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at most hardware stores, but a professional locksmith with the right tools will generally have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and will work inside your vehicle. A professional locksmith is also capable of creating 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 harder to make copies or if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces that won't fit into your lock. In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed to provide an additional layer of security. These keys have a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it is legitimate. If the chip on the key of your car is not matched, your car will not start. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional programming. Smart keys are the newest development in car keys. These are the result of combining traditional mechanical keys and a remote control. You can unlock and start your vehicle with this key and operate it by remote. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your car in a matter of minutes using the most recent technology. Many people may think that they can get an alternative for a damaged or lost mechanical key at hardware stores, but this is not a good idea. The majority of hardware stores don't have the equipment or highly-trained professionals to create an effective key that will work inside your vehicle. You'll save money and be safer if you leave the making of the key to an expert. Laser Keys Laser cut keys cost more to make than standard key blanks, but offer an additional layer of security for your vehicle. They are cut from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be put into the lock from either side and still function. They have a unique pattern that is more difficult to duplicate. The thicker shank with fewer grooves will help you discern a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This means the key is more difficult to turn than an ordinary key and makes it more difficult for thieves to open your car without much time and effort. These keys are also less likely to get stuck in locks because they are more precise cut. When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock it sends a signal to your car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the right key and allows it to start. If a burglar does manage to steal an unauthorized copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and 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 keys and require specialized equipment, but they do add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and easily at a reasonable price if you lose it. It is possible that you will need the transponder chip programmed into your key based on the vehicle you drive. You can't do this by yourself, and dealerships charge a significant amount to do it. A good locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder on your behalf 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 newer vehicles to provide an extra layer security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system and permit it to confirm that the key is authentic before starting the engine. Even if someone succeeds in stealing the key and duplicate it however, they will not be able to use 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 Almost any car built in the last 20 years or so will have a transponder chip in it. These are radio transmitters that prevent your car from being started without the right keys. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against car theft as thieves had come up with a variety of methods to start cars with brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using screwdrivers with flat blades) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip was the solution to all of this, since it allowed the car to be turned on for a short period of time, and also confirmed that there was a key present. A regular transponder key will appear like a standard metal key, but with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the transponder, which will send an alert to your car when the key is near enough. This signal contains the digital serial number which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals match, you will be capable of operating your car. This is one of the most effective methods of anti-theft technologies that manufacturers of cars have implemented as it has made car theft almost impossible for anyone who doesn't have a valid key. There are car keys cutting of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some are equipped with a traditional transponder chip that is contained inside the head of the key. Some have an accessory fob that houses the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs typically have buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your car, set an alarm, and perform other functions. A locksmith can help you obtain a new transponder key for your car and can even program it for you, if needed. This procedure is usually straightforward and involves only a few simple steps. First, the new key needs to be cut using the standard metal key cutter, which can usually be done at any automotive retailer. Then, the transponder keys will need to be programmed for your specific vehicle by an experienced auto locksmith. The process of programming is generally extremely quick and takes about 10 minutes. Key Fobs A majority of modern vehicles have an electronic keyless entry system that requires fob. The key fob transmits a signal to your vehicle to unlock doors or start the engine. If it is equipped, it will also open the boot. Remember that the car fob differs from the conventional keys that you might have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob on your own. It is best to leave cutting and programming of your key fobs to professionals. Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have an open key that can be folded inside, like the switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be hidden away when not being used. There are fobs without the foldable feature, which appear like regular-sized keys. If you lose your key fob it can be a huge hassle to find replacement. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealership. Often, the dealer can only provide a fob that is compatible with the specific model of your car. This is because the dealer has the technological experience to ensure that the replacement fob works with the security system of your vehicle. The process of getting the replacement key fob you need can be fairly simple if you have the right information. For starters, you need to know the year, model and year of your car. Bring an extra key that works. Gather the necessary tools: Before beginning to program your key fob, make sure you read the manual of the manufacturer to ensure that you have all the required tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a specific mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition a certain number times or the combination of. Some manufacturers may even use a flashing light or a sound to signal the switch to programming mode. After you've gathered all the necessary materials, you can bring your key fob to the closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs for a much more reasonable price than the dealership. We are also open later than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.