This Is The Myths And Facts Behind Key Cutting For Cars
Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than shaping a piece of metal. It's a technique that provides security and convenience as well as peace of mind for car owners.
Bring car key cutting price to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting method for your car's make and model. The key-cutting procedure takes only few minutes and is less expensive than buying new car keys at the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest form of car key and date back to the early days of locking mechanisms for automobiles. These keys have a pattern of grooves and ridges carved into them that line up with the pin settings in the lock that allows you to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied at most hardware stores, but a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will usually have better success making copies that are more durable and work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can also create laser-cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys as they have grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to duplicate or if someone tries to use a grinder on the key, they'll likely leave behind a large amount of metal pieces which will not fit into the lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented to provide an additional layer of security. These keys have a small chip in their head that communicates to your car to ensure it's a genuine key. If the chip in your key isn't matched to your car it will not begin and will remain unresponsive. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the newest advancement in car keys. They are a combination of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can open and start your car using this key and operate it by remote. A mobile auto locksmith can make smart keys for your car in a matter of minutes using the most recent technology.
Hardware stores aren't the best place to get a new mechanical key to replace damaged or lost keys. Most chains don't have the proper equipment or highly skilled professionals to be able to create a quality key that can be used in your vehicle. car key cutting and programming 'll save money and be safer if you leave the creation of the key to a professional.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys are more expensive than regular blanks, however they add an additional security feature to your car. They are carved from the middle using a laser which allows them to be placed into the lock on either side, and work. They also have a distinct pattern and are harder to duplicate.
The longer shank that is thicker and has less grooves will allow you to discern a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This means that the key is more difficult to turn than an ordinary key, making it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your car without a lot of time and effort. Keys with this design are also less likely to get stuck in the lock because they are more precise cut.
When you insert a laser-cut keys into your lock, it transmits a signal to the car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the correct key, and it can be used to start. If a burglar gets their hands on an unauthorised key, the car's transmitter will not recognize it. It will be unable to start.
Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s and are now used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require special equipment, but they provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. If you lose yours, a professional locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and efficiently for reasonable cost.
Depending on the car you drive it may be necessary to have a transponder chip programmed into the key to allow it to work. This isn't something that you can do by yourself and the majority of car dealerships will charge an amount of money to do it for you. A reliable locksmith can program your transponder, however they may not have as much expertise as your local dealer.
The majority of newer vehicles come with laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips, which provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system and allow it to verify that the key is authentic before starting the engine. Even if someone manages to steal the key and duplicate it, they won't be able to use 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 past 20 years or therefore will have a transponder chip inside of it. These are essentially radio transmitters that can stop your car from starting without the correct key installed. This was a major advancement in the fight against car theft, as thieves had come up with a variety of ways to start cars using brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using screwdrivers with flat blades) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). 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 confirmed that there was a key in place.
A normal transponder will appear like a metal key with an outer cover made of plastic. This plastic top houses the actual transponder, which will send the signal to your car whenever the key is close enough. The signal is a digital serial number that is identical to the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals match the transponder, you'll be able to operate your car. This is the best anti-theft system that an automaker can put in place as it makes car theft impossible for anyone without a valid key.
Depending on the model, there are several different types of transponder key that can be used. Some keys have an embedded transponder in the head. Others have an electronic key fob that has the key transponder. Key fobs typically include buttons that permit you to lock/unlock the car and set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help you obtain an updated transponder key to your car and can even program it for you, if necessary. This procedure is usually straightforward and only involves just a few steps. The first step is that the new key will need to be cut using an ordinary metal key cutter, which can be done at any auto store. Then, the blank transponder key will need to be programmed for your particular vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The programming process is usually extremely quick and takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars have the remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The fob's key sends an electronic signal to the vehicle to unlock doors and start the engine. It can also open the trunk, provided it's equipped.
It is important to keep in mind that the car key fob isn't like the traditional metal key that you may have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob by yourself. It is best to leave the cutting and programming of your fobs to professionals.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some have keys that fold inside it, similar to a switchblade. This makes the fob smaller and allows it to be put away when not in use. You can also find fobs that appear more like a regular key, without the foldable key.
If you lose your key fob it can be a huge hassle to find a replacement. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers usually only offer a key fob that is compatible with the model you have. This is because the dealer has the technology experience to ensure that the replacement fob works with your car's security system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining a new key fob is relatively simple when you have the right details. For starters, you need to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. You should also have a working spare key with you to take along.
Gather the Necessary Equipment: Before you attempt to program your keyfob, review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the right tools and equipment. You'll have to enter a special mode that might involve turning the ignition off and on a certain number of times, triggering certain buttons or the combination of both. Some manufacturers will even signal entry into programming mode by sound or flashing light.
You can bring your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it programmed and cut. We'll save you time and money because we cut your key fobs at a lower price than the dealership. We are open later than the dealership and you won't have to rush to work in order to get your keyfob programmed and cut.