Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's a technique that provides security and convenience as well as peace 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 technique for your particular model and make. The key cutting process takes only few minutes and is much less expensive than purchasing a new car key at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car keys. They are made with a pattern that matches the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. The majority of hardware stores can duplicate mechanical keys, however locksmiths with the right tools can create copies that are more durable and will work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith will also be capable of making laser-cut keys. These are more secure than traditional mechanical key because they feature grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it more difficult to make copies, and if someone tries to grind the key, they'll likely leave behind a large amount of metal pieces which will not fit into the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an extra layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip inside the head that communicates to your car, so it can verify that it's a genuine key. If the chip in the key of your car is not properly matched, the vehicle will not start. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than a mechanical key and require a professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the newest evolution in car keys. They are a combination of a traditional mechanical key and a remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your vehicle with the key, and allows you to do this from a distance. A mobile professional auto locksmith can make replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option for a new mechanical key to replace damaged or lost keys. The majority of hardware stores do not have the necessary equipment or highly-trained experts to create a key that works well in your car. You will save money and be more secure if you delegate the making of the key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys may be more expensive than standard blanks however they add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. They are carved from the middle using a laser which allows them to be placed in the lock on either side and still work. They also have a different design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The longer shank that is thicker and has less grooves will allow you to discern a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This makes the key more difficult to turn than a standard key, making it more difficult for thieves to open your vehicle without a lot of time and effort. The keys are less likely to get trapped in locks, because they are more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut keys into your lock, a unique signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This signals the car that it's the correct key, and can be started. If a burglar does manage to obtain an unauthorised copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been utilized in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours an experienced locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and easily for reasonable cost.
It is possible that you will need the transponder chip programmed in your key, based on the vehicle you drive. This isn't something that you can do by yourself, and most car dealerships will charge you an arm and a leg to perform the program for you. A good locksmith can program your transponder, however they might not have the same expertise as your local dealer.
Transponder chips are included in the keys of many newer vehicles to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with your ignition system, allowing it to verify the key before starting the motor. Even if a burglar succeeds in stealing the key and copy it however, they will not be in a position to start your car since the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the correct 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 stop your car from being started without the right keys. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft since thieves had discovered a variety of ways to start cars through brute force (pushing the ignition switch using a flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was a solution to all of this, as it only allowed the car to turn on for a short period of time, and also confirmed that there was a key present.
A regular transponder key will look much like a regular metal key with a plastic top. This plastic top contains the actual transponder which will transmit a signal to your car whenever the key is within close proximity. This signal contains the digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder that is inside your car. If the signals are compatible then you'll be in a position to operate your vehicle. This is among the most effective methods of anti-theft technologies that manufacturers of cars have implemented because it has made car theft nearly impossible for anyone who does not have a valid keys.
Based on key cutter www.g28carkeys.co.uk , there are different kinds of transponder keys that can be used. Some have an old-fashioned transponder chip that is located in the head of the key. Some include an accessory fob that houses the transponder chip of the key. Key fobs often have buttons that allow you to lock/unlock the car, set an alarm, and perform other functions.
A locksmith can assist you acquire an updated transponder key to your vehicle and even program it for you, if needed. This process is usually simple and only involves just a few steps. The new key has to be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be done at any car dealership. The transponder keys that are blank must then be programmed by an expert locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming typically takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars come with a remote keyless system that requires fob. The key fob sends a signal from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. It also opens the trunk, if it is equipped.
It's important to note that a car key fob is not like the typical metal key you've got on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that has to be properly programmed to work with your specific vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob on your own. It is recommended to leave the cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to experts.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some feature an internal key that folds into 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, which look like normal-sized keys.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob when you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, the dealer can only provide a fob that works with the specific model of your car. This is because the dealer has the technological expertise to make sure the replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining an entirely new key fob is relatively simple when you have the right details. For starters, you need to know the year, make and model of your car. Take with you a spare key that is functional.
Get the necessary equipment Before you attempt to program your keyfob review the instructions supplied 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, turning the ignition on/off at a specific number of times or some combination of these. 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 items, you can take your key fob into your nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money as we cut your key fobs at less than the dealership. In addition, we are open longer than the dealership so you don't have to rush off to cut your key fob and programmed.