motorcycle key cutting Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It's a skill that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to vehicle owners.
Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting method for your car's brand and model. The process of cutting keys takes a matter of minutes and is less expensive than purchasing a new car key purchased from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the simplest type of car key. They are made up of grooves and ridges carved into them that align with the pin settings in a specific lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied from many hardware stores, however a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will generally be more successful in making copies that are more durable and can work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also make keys that are laser-cut. 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 grinders to try to do so, they'll likely leave the metal pieces that will not fit into your lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an additional layer of security. These keys have a small chip in the head that communicates to your car so it knows it's authentic keys. If the chip inside the key is not connected to your vehicle it will not begin and will remain unresponsive. Keys that are programmed to be more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming.
Smart keys are the most recent evolution in car keys. They're a combination of the traditional mechanical key and a remote control. You can unlock and start your car with this key, and do it remotely. A mobile auto locksmith can create 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 at hardware stores, but this is not a safe practice. The majority of hardware stores don't have the necessary equipment or highly-trained professionals to create an effective key that will work inside your vehicle. It is safer to hand over the making of your key to a professional, and you will most likely save money in the long run by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more costly to produce than standard key blanks, but offer an additional layer of security for your car. Lasers are used to cut them from the middle, permitting them to be put into the lock on either end and still work. They also have a distinct design and are more difficult to duplicate.
The thicker shank with less grooves will allow you to discern a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This makes it difficult for thieves to steal your car since the key is harder to turn. These keys are also less likely to become stuck in locks because they have a more precise cut.
When you insert a laser-cut keys into your lock it sends a signal to your car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the right key, and that it is able to be started. If a thief does manage to obtain an unauthorised copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require special equipment to make keys, but they do provide an extra layer security for your vehicle. If you lose yours, an experienced locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and at a reasonable price.
You might need to have the transponder chip installed in your key, based on the vehicle you own. This isn't something that you can do by yourself, and most car dealerships will charge you an amount of money to perform the program for you. A reliable locksmith should be able to program your transponder on your behalf however they might not have the same level of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
The majority of newer vehicles come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips that provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system, allowing it to check that the key is genuine before allowing the engine to start. Even if a burglar manages to steal the key and duplicate it however, they will not be capable of using it to start your car as the engine won't start if it doesn't have the proper code.
Transponder Keys
Almost any car built in the last 20 years or that's why it has a transponder chip in it. They are basically radio transmitters that prevent your car from starting without the proper key in place. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft, since thieves had devised a variety of ways to start cars by brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using screwdrivers with flat blades) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip solved all of that as it could only allow the car to start for a short time while also registering that there was a valid key in the ignition.
A standard transponder can look like a key made of metal with an outer cover made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder which will send a signal to your car once the key is within close proximity. The signal is a serial number digital that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals match your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is the most effective anti-theft system that an automaker can put in place since it makes car theft impossible for anyone with an official key.
There are several types of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some of them have a traditional transponder chip that is located inside the head of the key. Others come with a remote key fob that has the transponder for the key. Key fobs usually have buttons on them that can lock/unlock your car and set the alarm and many other functions.
A locksmith can help get you a new transponder to your vehicle and can even program it if needed. This process is usually simple and only involves a few simple steps. The new key must be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any automotive store. Then, the transponder key will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The process of programming is typically very quick and only takes around 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have the remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The key fob sends the vehicle a signal to unlock the doors or start the motor. If it is equipped, it will also unlock the boot.
Be aware that a car fob is different from the traditional metal keys you've got on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to fit your specific vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob by yourself. It is best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to professionals.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some have an internal key that folds into it, similar to a switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and compact when not being used. You can also find fobs that look more like a regular key, without the foldable key.
It isn't easy to replace your key fob if you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to a dealership. Usually, the dealer will only provide a fob that works with your specific model. This is because the dealer has the technology experience to ensure that the replacement fob is compatible with the security system of your vehicle.
Fortunately the process of obtaining an entirely new key fob is fairly simple if you have the correct information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Take along a spare key that is functional.
Get the tools you need: Prior to attempting 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'll have to enter a specific mode that could involve turning the ignition on and off a certain number of times, pressing specific buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers might even employ a flashing light or a sound to signal the start of programming mode.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it cut and programmed. We'll save your time and money since we cut your key fobs for less than the dealership. We are open later than the dealership, so you won't need hurry in order to get your keyfob programed and cut.