Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It's a skill that provides security and ease of mind to car owners.
Bring your key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting technique for your car's make and model. The key cutting process takes only about a minute and is cheaper than buying the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the simplest form of car key and date back to the beginning of automotive locks. They have a pattern of grooves and ridges cut into them that line up with the pin settings in the lock that allows you to unlock it. Most hardware stores can copy mechanical keys, but locksmiths with the right tools can create copies that are more durable and will work inside your car.
A professional locksmith is also able to create laser cut keys. These are more secure than a traditional mechanical key since they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it harder to make a copy or if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces that will not fit in your lock.
In the 1990s transponder keys were invented to provide an additional layer of security. These keys contain a chip inside the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it is authentic. If the chip on the key of your car is not matched, your car will not start. These keys are more expensive than a mechanical one and require a professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the newest technology in car keys. They are a combination of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your car by using the key. It also allows you to do this from an extended distance. A mobile auto locksmith can make smart keys for your car in minutes using the latest technology.
Many people may think that they can get a replacement for a damaged or lost mechanical key from the hardware store however this isn't an appropriate method. Most chains don't have the proper equipment or highly trained professionals to be able to create an excellent key that works in your vehicle. You will save money and be more secure if you delegate the design of your key to an expert.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys may be more expensive than regular blanks, but they offer an extra security feature to your vehicle. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle allowing them to be inserted into the lock at either end and still work. They also have a different pattern and are harder to duplicate.
You can tell a laser-cut key apart from traditional bladed keys due to the wider shank with less grooves carved. This means the key is more difficult to turn than a standard 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 less likely to be trapped in locks, as they have a more precise cutting.
When you insert the laser-cut key inside your lock, a unique signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This informs the car that it's the correct key and allows it to start. If a thief does manage to get their hands on an unauthorised copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and will refuse to start.
Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are used in many luxury cars. They are more expensive to make than regular keys and require special equipment, but they add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose yours, a professional locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and efficiently for an affordable price.
You might need to have the transponder chip programmed in your key depending on the car you own. This isn't something that you can do on your own and the majority of car dealers will charge an arm and a leg to complete the task for you. A reliable locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder on your behalf however they might not have the same amount of experience as the dealer you are dealing with.
Most newer cars come with keys laser-cut that have transponder chips that provide an extra layer of security. These chips are registered with your car's ignition system, which allows it to verify the key before starting the motor. Even if a thief manages to steal the key and duplicate it however, they will not be in a position to start your car since the engine won't start if it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips can be found in nearly all vehicles built in the last 20 years. These are radio transmitters which make sure your car isn't started without the right keys. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against car theft, since thieves had devised a variety of methods to start cars with brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip solved all of this because it would only allow the car to turn on for a short period of time, but also verify that there was a genuine key in place.
A normal transponder will appear like a key made of steel with an outer cover made of plastic. This plastic top houses the actual transponder which sends an alert to your car when the key is close enough. This signal contains an electronic serial number that is identical to the original transponder in your car. If the signals match, your car will allow you to operate it. This is among the most effective methods of anti-theft technology manufacturers of cars have implemented because it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for those who do not have a valid key.
There are several types of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, depending on the model. Some keys have a transponder chip inside the head. Some also have an accessory fob that houses the transponder of the key. The key fobs will often have buttons on them that can lock/unlock your vehicle, set the alarm, and many other functions.
g28carkeys can help you get you a new transponder for your vehicle and can even program it if needed. This process is usually simple and only involves a few simple steps. First, the new key needs to be cut with an ordinary metal key cutter, which can usually be done in any automotive retailer. The blank transponder keys will then need to be programmed by a professional locksmith for your vehicle. The process of programming typically takes only 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
A lot of modern cars come with the remote keyless system which requires fob. The fob sends signals to your vehicle to open doors or start the engine. If equipped, it can also unlock the boot.
It's important to note that a car key fob isn't like the traditional key that you may have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that needs to be correctly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob on your own. It is recommended to leave the cutting and programming of your fobs to professionals.
Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside it, much like a switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and compact when not in use. You can also find fobs that look more like the regular key, but without the foldable key.
It can be difficult to replace your key fob if you lose it. It could require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Usually, the dealer will only offer a fob compatible with the specific model of your car. The dealer has the expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.
The process of getting the replacement key fob you need can be fairly simple if you have the correct details. For starters, you need to know the year, model and year of your car. Also, you must have a spare key to bring along.
Gather Necessary Tools: Before beginning to program your key fob, make sure you read the manual of the manufacturer to ensure that you have all the necessary tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a particular mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition at a specific number of times or the combination of. Some manufacturers will even signal entry into programming mode by sound or light flash.
Once you've gathered the required items, you can take your key fob to the closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs at a the lower cost than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open longer than the dealership, so you don't need to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.