Why Is This Key Cutting For Cars So Beneficial? During COVID-19

Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind

Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It's an art that ensures security and ease of mind for car owners.

Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting procedure for your make and model. The key cutting process takes only about a minute and is cheaper than buying new car keys at the dealership.

Mechanical Keys

Mechanical keys are the most basic type of car key and go back to the early days of automobile locks. These keys have a pattern of grooves and ridges cut into them that align with the pins in the lock to open it. The majority of hardware stores can duplicate mechanical keys, however locksmiths with the right tools will be able to create copies that are more durable and can be used inside your car.

A professional locksmith is also able to create laser cut keys. These are more secure than a standard mechanical key due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it harder to duplicate or if someone tries to make use of a grinder to the key, they'll likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces which will not fit into your lock.

In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed to provide an additional layer of security. These keys have a small chip inside the head that communicates with your car to ensure it's authentic keys. If the chip in your key is not matched 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 newest evolution in car keys. These are a combination between keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your vehicle by using the key. It also lets you do it from a distance. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your car in a matter of minutes using the most recent technology.

Many people may think that they can find an alternative for their damaged or lost mechanical key at the hardware store but this is not a safe practice. Most chains do not have the right equipment or highly trained professionals to be able to create an excellent key that can be used in your vehicle. It is much safer to leave the creation of your key to a professional and you'll likely save money in the long run by choosing this option.

Laser Keys

Laser cut keys are more costly to make than standard keys, but provide an additional layer of security for your car. Lasers are used to cut keys from the middle permitting them to be put into the lock on either end, and work. They also have a distinct design and are more difficult to duplicate.

It is possible to tell a laser-cut key apart from traditional bladed keys due to the larger shank, which has fewer carved grooves. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car as the key is harder to turn. These keys are also less likely to become stuck in the lock since they have a more precise cut.

When you insert the laser-cut key inside your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This lets the car know it's the correct key and allows it to start. If a thief does manage to steal an unauthorized copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not register it and will refuse to start.

Laser-cut keys have been used in luxury vehicles since the 1990s. They are more expensive to make than regular keys and require specialized equipment, but they add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace it quickly and efficiently at a reasonable cost should you lose it.

Depending on the car you drive depending on the model, you might need to include a transponder chip into the key to allow it to work. This isn't something you can do on your own, and most car dealerships will charge you an arm and a leg to complete the task for you. A reputable locksmith should be able to program your transponder for you, although they may not have the same degree of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.

The majority of modern cars have laser-cut keys with transponder chips that provide an extra layer of security. These chips are synchronized with your car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the key before beginning the engine. Even if the person who stole it is able to steal and duplicate the key, they will not be able to start the car as the engine won't be able to start if the code isn't correct.

car keys cut and programmed  built in the last 20 years or therefore will have an embedded transponder chip within it. These are radio transmitters that stop your car from starting if you don't have the correct key installed. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft because thieves had found a lot of ways to start vehicles through brute force (pushing the ignition switch using the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved all of this because it would only allow the car to start for a short time, while also registering that there was a valid key in place.

A normal transponder keys will look like a normal metal key with a plastic top. The plastic top is home to the actual transponder that will send a message to your car when the key is in close proximity. The signal is an electronic serial number that is identical to the original transponder that is inside your car. If the signals are compatible then you'll be able to operate your car. This is the best anti-theft system that an automaker can put in place since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without an official key.

There are a few different kinds of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, based on the model. Some are equipped with the traditional transponder chip which is housed inside the head of the key. Some have a remote key fob that includes the transponder of the key. Key fobs usually have buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your car or set an alarm and perform other functions.

A locksmith can help you acquire an additional transponder key for your vehicle and even program it for you, if needed. The process is typically simple and requires only just a few steps. The first step is that the new key has to be cut using a regular metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any auto retailer. The blank transponder keys must then be programmed by an experienced locksmith for your vehicle. The programming process is usually fast and takes about 10 minutes.

Key Fobs

Many modern cars have the remote keyless system which requires fob. The key fob sends an alert from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. If it's equipped, it can also open the boot.

It's important to remember that the car key fob isn't like the typical metal key that you may have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that needs to be correctly programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. That's why you should never attempt to cut your fob yourself. It's always best to take your key fob to a professional for cutting and programming.

Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside, like a switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and to be stored away when not in use. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, which look like normal-sized keys.

It isn't easy to replace your key fob when you lose it. It may require special tools or a visit to the dealer. Often, dealers can only provide a fob that is compatible with the specific model of your car. This is because the dealer has the technological know-how to ensure that the replacement fob works with your car's security system.

Fortunately the process of obtaining an entirely new key fob is fairly simple if you have the right information. For starters, you need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. Take an extra key that works.

Gather the necessary tools: Before beginning to program your key fob, consult the manual of the manufacturer to ensure that you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You'll be required to enter a specific mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition a certain number times or some combination of these. Some manufacturers may even signal the switch to programming mode by making a sound or flashing lights.

You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to have it cut and programmed. We'll save your time and money since we cut your key fobs for less than the dealership. We are also open later than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to work to cut your key fob and programmed.