Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
The art of cutting keys for cars involves more than simply bending a piece metal. It's a skill that provides security, convenience and peace of mind to vehicle owners.
Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting method for your particular model and make. The key-cutting process takes just a few minutes and is less expensive than a replacement car key purchased from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys date back to early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car keys. They are made with an arrangement that is in line with the pin settings of a lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied at the majority of hardware stores, but a professional locksmith with the right tools will generally have better success making copies that are more durable and work with your vehicle.
A professional locksmith is also capable of making laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to duplicate the key, and, if someone uses grinders to try to copy it they'll likely end up leaving behind metal scraps which will not fit in the lock.
In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed as an additional layer of security. They have a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your car to confirm that it is genuine. If the chip inside your key isn't matched to your vehicle, it will not start and will remain unresponsive. Keys that are programmed to be more expensive than mechanical keys and require professional programming.
Smart keys are the newest evolution in car keys. They are a combination of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. This lets you unlock and start your vehicle using the key,
get car Key cut and allows you to do this from a distance. A professional auto locksmith on the move can create smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in just a few minutes, using the most advanced technology.
Hardware stores are not the best option to purchase a new mechanical key to replace a lost or damaged one. Most chains don't have the proper equipment or
Get Car Key cut highly skilled professionals to be able to create a quality key that works in your vehicle. You will save money and be more secure if you let the making of the key to professionals.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys may be more expensive than standard blanks, but they offer an extra security layer to your car. Lasers are used to cut them from the middle, permitting them to be put into the lock on either end, and work. They also have a different design and are more difficult to duplicate.
It is possible to 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 means that the key is harder to turn than an ordinary key and makes it more difficult for thieves to open your car without a lot of time and effort. These keys are less likely to get stuck in the lock because they are 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 correct key, and that it is able to be used to start. If a burglar is able to get their hands on a stolen key, the vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it. It will not start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced in the 1990s and are now used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to create them, but they offer an extra layer security for your vehicle. If you lose one, a professional locksmith is likely to be able replace it quickly and easily for a reasonable price.
Depending on the car you drive, you may need to include a transponder chip into the key to allow it to work. You cannot do this yourself, and car dealerships charge a lot for it. A reliable locksmith will be able program your transponder, however they may not have the same experience as the local dealer.
Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of most modern cars to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with the ignition system, allowing it to verify the keys before starting the motor. Even if a burglar manages to steal the key and duplicate it, they won't be in a position to start your car as the engine will refuse to start if it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Most cars built in the last 20 years or so will have a transponder chip in it. These are radio transmitters that will prevent your car from starting without the correct
key cutter for cars installed. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft because thieves had discovered a myriad of methods to start cars 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 be turned on for a short amount of time. It also verified that there was a key present.
A regular transponder will look like a key made of steel with an outer cover made of plastic. This plastic top houses the actual transponder, which will send an alert to your car when the key is close enough. This signal contains the digital serial number that matches the original transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible the transponder, you'll be capable of operating your car. This is among the best forms of anti-theft technologies that a car manufacturer has implemented as it has made car theft almost impossible for those who do not have a valid key.
There are a few different types of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Certain keys come with an embedded transponder in the head. Others have an electronic key fob that includes the key transponder. Key fobs usually include buttons that permit you to lock/unlock the car or set an alarm and perform other functions.
A locksmith can help
get car key cut you a new transponder for your vehicle and will program it if you need to. The process is generally straightforward and only requires a few steps. The new key needs to be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be done at any automotive store. Then, the blank transponder key must be programmed to your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The programming process usually takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern vehicles have a remote keyless system that requires fob. The fob is used to send a signal from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. If it is equipped, it will also open the boot.
Be aware that the car fob is different from the standard metal keys that you might have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob on your own. It's always best to bring your key fob to an expert for cutting and programming.
Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some feature a key that folds inside it, similar to a switchblade. This lets the fob be smaller and to be stored away when not being used. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, which look like normal-sized keys.
If you lost your key fob, it could be a major hassle to find an alternative. It could require specialized tools or a visit to the dealer. Dealers typically only offer a key fob that is compatible with your car. The dealer has the expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's safety system.
Fortunately the process of obtaining an entirely new key fob is fairly easy if you have the correct information. You'll have to know your car's year, make and model.
