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

Car key cutting is more than shaping a piece of metal. It's an art form that guarantees security and ease of mind for vehicle owners.

Bring your key to an AutoZone store and car key cutting an associate will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting technique for your car's make and model. The process of cutting keys is just a few minutes and is less expensive than purchasing a new car key purchased from a dealership.

Mechanical Keys

Mechanical keys are the most basic form of car key and go back to the early days of automotive locks. They have a pattern of grooves and ridges carved into them that align with the pin settings in a specific lock to open it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, however a locksmith with the proper tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and can be used in your vehicle.

A professional locksmith can also be capable of making laser-cut keys. They are more secure than a standard mechanical key because they feature grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it more difficult to duplicate the key, and if someone is using a grinder to try to do so they'll likely end up leaving the metal pieces that will not fit in the lock.

In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed as an additional layer of security. They have a tiny chip inside the head that transmits information to your car to ensure it's genuine keys. If the chip inside the key is not connected to your car it will not begin and remain in a standstill. Keys that are programmed to be more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.

Smart keys are the latest advancement in car keys. These are a combination between keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. You can open and start your car with this key and operate it remotely. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your vehicle in minutes using the latest technology.

Many people think they can get an alternative for a damaged or lost mechanical key from hardware stores however this isn't a safe practice. Most hardware stores do not have the equipment or highly-trained professionals to create a key that works well inside your vehicle. You will save money and be more secure if you let the making of the key to a professional.

Laser Keys

Laser cut keys are more expensive to make than standard key blanks but they provide a higher level of security for your vehicle. They are carved from the middle using a laser which allows them to be inserted into the lock from either side and still function. They also have a unique pattern that is difficult to duplicate.

You can tell a laser-cut key apart from bladed keys with traditional design by the thicker shank that has smaller grooves that have been carved. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car as the key is more difficult to turn. The keys are less likely to get trapped in locks, since they have more precise cutting.

When you insert a key cut with lasers into your lock, it sends a signal to the car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the correct key and can be started. If a burglar manages to get their hands onto an unauthorized key, the vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it. It will refuse to start.

Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They cost more to produce than standard keys and require specialized equipment, but they add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours a professional locksmith should be able to replace it quickly and at an affordable price.

Depending on your car, you may need to include a transponder chip into the key to get it working. It's not something you can do yourself, and car dealerships charge a lot for it. A reputable locksmith can program your transponder, however they may not have as much expertise than your local dealer.

Transponder chips are found in the keys of most newer cars to provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system and allow it to check that the key is genuine before allowing the engine to start. Even if the thief is capable of stealing and copying the key, they won't be able to use it to start the car since the engine will not start when the code isn't correct.

Transponder Keys

Nearly every car manufactured in the last 20 years or so will have a transponder chip in it. They are basically radio transmitters that will stop your car from starting without the proper key in place. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft since thieves had found a lot of ways to start vehicles through brute force (pushing the ignition switch with the 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 be turned on for a short period of time and also registered that there was a key present.

A normal transponder keys will look like a standard metal key with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the actual transponder which will transmit a signal to your car once the key is within close proximity. This signal has an electronic serial number that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible, you will be able to operate your car. This is the best security system an automaker can put in place as it makes car theft impossible for anyone without a valid key.

There are a few different types of transponder keys which can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Some keys have a transponder chip inside the head. Some include a remote fob which houses the transponder chip of the key. The key fobs will often include buttons that can lock/unlock your car or set the alarm and other functions.

A locksmith can help get you a new transponder to your vehicle and can even program it if you need to. This procedure is usually straightforward and involves only just a few steps. First, the new key has to be cut with an ordinary metal key cutter, which can usually be done in any automotive store. The blank transponder keys must then be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process usually takes about 10 minutes.

Key Fobs

A majority of modern vehicles have an electronic keyless entry system that requires fob. The key fob transmits signals to your vehicle to open doors or start the engine. It can also open the trunk, if equipped.

Remember that a car fob is different from the conventional keys that you might have on your keychain. It's a complicated 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's best to leave the cutting and programming of your fobs to experts.

Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have keys that can be folded inside, like the switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and compact when not being used. You can find 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 could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers usually only offer an item 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 fairly simple if you have the correct information. For starters, you need to know the year, model and year of your car. Also, you should have a working spare car key cut key with you to take along.

Make sure you have the required 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 have to enter a special mode that could involve switching the ignition off and on a certain number of times, pressing certain buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers may even signal entry into programming mode by making a sound or flashing light.

You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money because we cut your key fobs at a lower price than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open longer than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.