Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind
Car key cutting is more than creating a metal piece. It's a technique that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to vehicle owners.
Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and a staff member will duplicate the key by using the proper key cutting technique for your car's make and model. The key cutting process takes only a few minutes and is less expensive than buying the new car key from the dealership.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most basic form of car key and dates back to the early days of locking mechanisms for automobiles. They have an arrangement that is in line with the pin settings of a lock to open it. The majority of hardware stores can duplicate mechanical keys, but a locksmith with the proper tools can make copies that are more durable and will work inside your vehicle.
A professional locksmith can make laser-cut keys. They are more secure than traditional mechanical key due to the fact that they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it harder to make copies and, if someone attempts to use a grinder on the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal scraps that won't fit into the lock.

In the 1990s, transponder keys were developed as 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 legitimate. If the chip inside your key is not matched to your vehicle, it will not start and remain in a standstill. These keys are more costly than a mechanical one and require professional cutting and programming.
Smart keys are the newest technology in car keys. These are a combination of a traditional mechanical key and a remote control. You can unlock and start your car with this key and operate it by remote. A professional auto locksmith on the move can make smart keys that can be replaced for your vehicle in just a few minutes using the most advanced technology.
Many people think they can get a replacement for a damaged or lost mechanical key from a hardware store, but this is not an appropriate method. Most hardware stores do not have the tools or highly-trained experts to create a key that works well inside your vehicle. It is safer to leave the creation of your key to a professional, and you'll save money in the end by choosing this option.
Laser Keys
Laser cut keys cost more to produce than standard key blanks but provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. Lasers are used to carve keys from the middle which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either end, and work. They also have a distinct pattern and are harder to duplicate.
You can discern a laser-cut key from traditional bladed keys due to the thicker shank that has less grooves carved. This makes the key harder to turn than the standard key, making it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your car without much time and effort. Keys with this design are also less likely to get stuck in the lock because they have a more precise cut.
When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock, it sends a signal to the car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This informs the car that it's the correct key, and it can be used to start. If a thief does manage to obtain an unauthorised copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not register it and will not start.
Laser-cut keys were introduced in the 1990s and are now used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require special equipment keys, but they do provide an extra layer security for your vehicle. If you lose yours, a professional locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and at a reasonable price.
You may need to have the transponder chip programmed in your key based on the vehicle you own. It's not something you can do yourself, and car dealerships charge a lot for it. A reputable locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder for you even though they may not have the same level of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.
Transponder chips are found in the keys of a majority of newer vehicles to provide an extra layer security. These chips are synchronized with your car's ignition system, which allows it to verify the key prior to making the motor start. Even if a thief is able to steal the key and copy it, they won't be in a position to start your car because the engine won't start if it doesn't have the correct code.
Transponder Keys
Almost any car built in the past 20 years or that's why it has a transponder chip inside of it. These are essentially radio transmitters that will stop your car from starting if you don't have the correct key in place. This was a significant breakthrough in the fight against car theft as thieves had developed many ways to start cars by brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip solved all of that as it would only allow the car to be turned on for a short period of time, but also verify that there was a genuine key in place.
A regular transponder key will look much like a regular metal key, but with a plastic top. This plastic top houses the actual transponder which sends a signal to your car whenever the key is close enough. This signal has the digital serial number that is identical to the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible, your car will allow you to operate it. This is one of the most effective methods of anti-theft technology the car manufacturer has put in place since it has made car theft nearly impossible for anyone who does not possess a valid key.
There are a few different kinds of transponder keys that can be used in your vehicle, based on the model. Certain keys come with a transponder chip in the head. Others come with a remote key fob which includes the transponder for the key. Key fobs typically feature buttons which allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle or set the alarm and many other functions.
A locksmith can assist you get an additional transponder key for your car, and can program it for you, if necessary. The process is generally simple and involves just a few steps. The new key needs to be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be done at any car dealership. Then, the blank transponder key will need to be programmed for your particular vehicle by an experienced auto locksmith. The process of programming is generally fast and takes about 10 minutes.
Key Fobs
Many modern cars have an electronic remote keyless system that requires fob. The key fob transmits an electronic signal to the vehicle to unlock doors or start the engine. If it's equipped, it can also unlock the boot.
Remember that the car fob is different from the conventional keys you may have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment that needs to be correctly programmed to work with your specific vehicle. You should never try to cut your key fob by yourself. It is always advisable to bring your key fob to a professional to cut and program it.
Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have keys that fold inside it, much like a switchblade. This lets the fob be smaller and tucked away when not in use. There are also fobs that resemble an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.
If you lost your key fob, it could be a major trouble to obtain an alternative. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealership. Dealers usually only offer a key fob that is compatible with your car. The dealer has the technical expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's safety system.
The process of getting a replacement key fob can be quite simple if have the right information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. Also, car key cut and program must have a working spare key that you can bring with you.
Get the necessary equipment Before you attempt to program your keyfob, review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the correct tools and equipment. You'll be required to enter a particular mode, which could involve pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off at a specific number of times or some combination of these. Some manufacturers may even use a flashing light or a sound to signal the switch to programming mode.
You can take your keyfob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it cut and programmed. We can assist you in saving time and money by cutting your key fobs at a a much more reasonable price than the dealership. Most importantly, we stay open later than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to cut your key fob and programmed.