Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just creating a metal piece. It's a skill that provides security and ease of mind to car owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting procedure for your model and make. The key cutting process takes only about a minute and is cheaper than buying the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest type of car key and dates back to the beginning of automotive locks. They are made with a pattern that matches the pin settings of a lock to open it. Mechanical keys are available for copying at the majority of hardware stores, but an experienced locksmith with the right tools will generally be more successful in making copies that are more durable and will work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can 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 difficult to duplicate the key and, if someone uses a grinder to attempt to do so they'll likely end up leaving the metal pieces that won't fit in your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an extra layer of security. They have a tiny chip in the head that communicates with your car, so it can verify that it's genuine keys. If the chip in the key is not connected to your car it will not begin and will remain immobilised. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the latest technology in car keys. They are a combination of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. You can unlock and start your car using this key, and do it by remote. A professional auto locksmith on the move can create replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores are not the best place to get a replacement mechanical key for damaged or lost keys. Most hardware stores do not have the tools or highly-trained professionals to create an effective key that will work in your vehicle. You'll save money and be more secure if you delegate the design of your key to professionals.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive to make than standard key blanks, but offer an additional layer of security for your car. They are cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be put into the lock on either side and still work. They feature a distinct design and are more difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to distinguish a key made of lasers from traditional bladed keys by the wider shank with fewer carved grooves. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car since the key is harder to turn. Keys with this design are less likely to be stuck in the lock since they have more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut keys inside your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the car's receiver. This signals the car that it is the right key, and it can be used to start. If a burglar is able to get their hands on an unauthorised key, the vehicle transmitter will not recognize it. It will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are used in many luxury cars. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment, but they provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours, an experienced locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and easily for reasonable cost.
You might need to have the transponder chip programmed in your key depending on the vehicle you drive. This isn't something that you can do by yourself and the majority of car dealers will charge an expense of a few hundred dollars to complete the task for you. A good locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder on your behalf even though they may not have the same amount of experience as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of many newer vehicles to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to the car's specific ignition system, allowing it to check that the key is legitimate before you start the engine. Even if a burglar is able to steal the key and replicate it however, they will not be able to use it to start your car because the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are present in almost all cars built in the past 20 years. These are essentially radio transmitters that can prevent your car from starting if you don't have the correct key in place. 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 the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved all of that as it could only allow the car to be turned on for a short period of time while also registering that there was a genuine key in place.
A normal transponder will appear like a key made of metal with a top made of plastic. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder that will send a message to your car when the key is in close proximity. The signal is an electronic serial number that is identical to the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals match, you will be capable of operating your car. This is the most effective anti-theft system that an automaker can put in place since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone with an official key.
Based on the model, there are different kinds of transponder keys that are available. Some keys have a transponder chip in the head. Others have an electronic key fob which includes the key transponder. Key fobs usually include buttons that permit you to lock or unlock your car, 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. The process is typically simple and only involves just a few steps. The first step is that the new key will need to be cut with a regular metal key cutter, which can be done in any automotive retailer. Then, the blank transponder key will need to be programmed for your specific vehicle by an experienced auto locksmith. The process of programming typically takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have an electronic keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob is used to send an alert from your vehicle to unlock the doors or start the motor. It can also open the trunk, if it is equipped.
Be aware that the car fob is different from the standard metal keys you've got on your keychain. It's an intricate 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 fob yourself. It is recommended to leave cutting and programming of your fobs to experts.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside it, similar to a switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be hidden away when not being used. You can find fobs without the foldable feature, that look like normal-sized keys.
It can be difficult to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, dealers can only provide a fob that is compatible with the specific model of your car. The dealer has the technical knowledge to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining an entirely new key fob is fairly simple if you have the right details. First, you have to know the year, make and model of your car. Also, you should have a spare key that you can bring with you.
Get the necessary equipment Before you attempt to program your keyfob go through the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer to ensure you have the right tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a special mode that may require switching the ignition on and off for a certain amount of times, triggering certain buttons or any combination of these. g28carkeys might even employ an illuminated light or sound to signal the start of programming mode.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it programmed and cut. We'll save your time and money since we cut your key fobs at less than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open later than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to get your key fob cut and programmed.