Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of car key cutting requires more than just bending a piece metal. It's a skill that offers security and ease of mind to car owners.
Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key using the correct key cutting technique for your car's brand and model. The process of cutting keys takes just a 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 most basic type of car key. These keys have a pattern that matches the pin settings of a lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied at many hardware stores, however a professional locksmith with the right tools will typically have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and can work in your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also able to create laser cut keys. These are more secure than traditional mechanical key since they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it difficult to duplicate the key and, if someone uses a grinder to try to duplicate the key they'll likely leave some metal pieces that won't fit in the lock.
Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an extra layer of security. These keys have a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your car to confirm that it is genuine. If the chip in your car's key is not matched, your car will not start. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than a mechanical one and require expert cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the latest advancement in car keys. These are a combination between the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. This lets you unlock and start your vehicle with the key, and lets you do it from a distance. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your vehicle in minutes using the latest technology.
Many people believe that they can find an alternative for their damaged or lost mechanical key at hardware stores, but this is not a safe practice. Most hardware stores do not have the equipment or highly-trained experts to create an effective key that will work in your vehicle. It is better to leave the design of your key to a professional, and you'll likely save money in the long run by opting for this method.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys cost more to produce than standard key blanks, but they provide a higher level of security for your vehicle. 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 unique pattern and are harder to duplicate.
You can distinguish a key made of lasers from traditional bladed keys due to the thicker shank that has fewer carved grooves. This makes it harder for thieves to steal your car since the key is harder to turn. Keys with this design are less likely to get stuck in the lock as they have a more precise cutting.
When you insert a laser-cut keys into your lock it transmits a signal to the car's receiver which matches its unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the right key and can be used to start. If a burglar is able to get their hands on a stolen key, the car's transmitter will not be able to recognize it. It will be unable to start.
Laser-cut keys have been utilized in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive to make than regular keys and require special equipment, but they add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace it quickly and at a reasonable cost if you lose it.
It is possible that you will need the transponder chip programmed in your key based on the vehicle you drive. This isn't something you can do on your own and the majority of car dealerships will charge you an arm and a leg to complete the task for you. A reputable locksmith will be able program your transponder, however they may not have as much expertise than your local dealer.
Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system and allow it to confirm that the key is genuine before starting the engine. Even if the thief is able to steal and duplicate the key, they won't be able use it to start the car as the engine won't be able to start when the code isn't correct.
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 major innovation in the fight against auto theft since thieves had discovered a myriad of ways to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch with 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 be turned on for a brief period of time, and also confirmed that there was a key inside.
A normal transponder keys will look like a regular metal key, but with a plastic top. The plastic top houses the actual transponder, which will send a signal to your car once the key is within close proximity. This signal contains the digital serial number that matches the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals match the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is the best anti-theft technology an automaker can put in place because it makes car theft impossible for anyone without an official key.
Depending on the model, there are several different kinds of transponder keys that can be used. Some of them have an old-fashioned transponder chip that is contained inside the head of the key. Others have a remote key fob that has the transponder for the key. Key fobs often include buttons that permit you to lock and unlock your car, set an alarm, and perform 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 only involves the following steps. The new key needs to be cut using a key cutter. This can be done at any auto shop. Then, the transponder keys will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The procedure of programming usually takes just 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A majority of modern vehicles have the remote keyless entry system that requires a fob. The fob transmits a signal from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. If it's equipped, it can also open the boot.
Keep in mind that the car fob is different from the standard metal keys you may have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your fob yourself. www.g28carkeys.co.uk is best to leave the cutting and programming of your fobs to experts.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some have a key that folds inside, like a switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be put away when it's not being used. You can also find fobs that resemble the regular key, but without the foldable key.
It may be difficult to replace your key fob when you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to a dealer. Often, the dealer can only provide a fob that is compatible with your specific model. The dealer has the technical knowledge to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
The process of getting an alternative key fob could be relatively simple if you have the correct information. You'll have to know your car's year, make and model. Bring an extra key that is functional.
Gather the necessary tools: Before attempting to program your key fob, read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a particular mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition in a certain amount of times, or the combination of. Certain manufacturers may also signal the entry into programming mode with a sound or flashing lights.
Once you've collected the necessary items, you can take your key fob to your closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money because we cut your key fobs at less than the dealership. We are open later than the dealership so you don't have to rush to work in order to get your keyfob programed and cut.