Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind

The art of cutting car keys requires more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's a skill that provides security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting procedure for your model and make. The key-cutting process takes just a few minutes and is much less costly than purchasing a new car key purchased from the dealership.

Mechanical Keys

Mechanical keys date back to the 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 many hardware stores, however an experienced locksmith with the right tools will typically have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and work with your vehicle.

A professional locksmith is also capable of making laser-cut keys. These are more secure than a standard mechanical key since they have 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 end up leaving behind metal scraps which will not fit in your lock.

Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s to provide an additional layer of security. These keys have an embedded chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to let it know it is authentic. If the chip inside the key of your car is not properly matched, the vehicle will not start. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.

Smart keys are the latest evolution in car keys. They are a combination of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. You can open and start your vehicle with this key, and do it by remote. A professional auto locksmith mobile can make replacement smart keys for your vehicle in just a few minutes, using the most advanced technology.

Many people believe that they can find an alternative for a damaged or lost mechanical key at a hardware store but this is not a safe practice. The majority of chains don't have the proper equipment or highly skilled professionals to be able to create an authentic key that will work well in your vehicle. You'll save money and be more secure if you delegate the design of your key to a professional.

Laser Keys

Laser cut keys are more expensive than regular blanks, but they offer an extra security feature to your car. They are cut from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either side and still function. They also have a unique pattern and are harder to duplicate.

It is possible to discern a laser-cut key from bladed keys with traditional design by the thicker shank that has less grooves carved. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car because the key is harder to turn. These keys are less likely to get trapped in locks, as they have a more precise cutting.

When you insert the laser-cut key inside your lock, a unique signal is sent to the car's receiver. This lets the car know it's the correct key, and allows it to start. If a thief manages to get their hands on a stolen key, cutting car the car's transmitter will not register it. It will refuse 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 specialized equipment to create them, but they offer an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace it quickly and efficiently at a reasonable price if you lose it.

It is possible that you will need the transponder chip installed in your key depending on the vehicle you drive. You cannot do this yourself, and car dealerships charge a significant amount to do it. A good locksmith will be able program your transponder, but they may not have the same expertise as the local dealer.

Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips that provide an extra layer of security. These chips are synchronized with your car's ignition system, which allows it to verify the key before beginning the engine. Even if a burglar manages to steal the key and replicate it, they won't be capable of using it to start your car since the engine won't start if it doesn't have the proper code.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are present in the majority of cars manufactured in the past 20 years. These are radio transmitters that stop your car from being started without the correct keys. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft since thieves had discovered a variety of ways to start vehicles with brute force (pushing the ignition switch using the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the solution to all of this, since it allowed the car to turn on for a brief period of time, and also confirmed that there was a key present.

A standard transponder can look like a key made of steel with the top made of plastic. This plastic top contains the actual transponder, which will send a signal to your car when the key is close to. This signal contains an electronic serial number which is matched to the transponder inside your car. If the signals are compatible your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is among the most effective forms of anti-theft technologies that the car manufacturer has put in place because it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for anyone who doesn't possess a valid key.

Based on the model, there are several different kinds of transponder keys that are available. Some are equipped with an old-fashioned transponder chip that is located in the head of the key. Others come with a remote key fob that has the transponder for the key. 24 hour key cutting fobs typically include buttons that permit you to lock and unlock your car and set an alarm and perform other functions.

A locksmith can help you obtain a new transponder key for your car, and can program it for you, if necessary. The process is typically simple and requires only just a few steps. The first step is that the new key has to be cut with the standard metal key cutter, which can usually be done at any auto retailer. The transponder keys blanks must then be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The procedure of programming usually takes only 10 minutes.

Key Fobs

A lot of modern cars have the remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob transmits an alert from your vehicle to unlock the doors, or start the motor. It can also open the trunk, provided it's equipped.

Be aware that the car fob differs from the standard metal keys you may have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that has to be properly programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your fob yourself. It is always recommended to take your key fob to a professional for cutting key and programming.

Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some have an internal key that folds into it, much like a switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be tucked away when it's not being used. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature that appear like regular-sized keys.

If you lose your key fob it can be a huge trouble to obtain replacement. It may require special tools or a trip to a dealership. Often, dealers can only provide a fob that works with your specific model. The dealer has the expertise to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.

The process of getting the replacement key fob you need can be quite simple if have the right information. For starters, you need to know the year, model and year of your car. Bring along a spare key that works.

Gather Necessary Tools: Before trying to program your key fob, make sure you read the manual of the manufacturer to ensure you have all the required tools and equipment. You will be required to enter a particular mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons and turning the ignition off or on a certain number times or a combination. Some manufacturers may even signal entry into programming mode by sound or flashing light.

You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be cut and programmed. We can save your time and money since we cut your key fobs for less than the dealership. In addition, we are open later than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.