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Car Key Cutting – Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind Car key cutting is more than just cutting a piece of metal. It's a technique that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to car owners. Bring your existing key to an AutoZone store and an associate will duplicate the key using the appropriate key cutting procedure for your car's brand and model. The process of cutting keys takes only a few minutes and is much less costly than buying a new car key purchased from the dealership. Mechanical Keys Mechanical keys are the simplest form of car key and date back to the early days of automotive locks. These keys have a pattern of grooves and ridges cut into them that align with the pins in the lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied from the majority of hardware stores, but a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will generally have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and will work inside your vehicle. A professional locksmith is also able to create laser-cut keys. These keys are more secure than mechanical keys as they have grooves on both sides. This makes it harder to duplicate the key, and if someone uses a grinder to attempt to do so they'll likely leave the metal pieces that will not fit into your lock. In the 1990s transponder keys were invented as an additional layer of security. They have a tiny chip in their head that communicates to your car to ensure it's genuine keys. If the chip in the key is not connected to your car it will not be able to start and remain in a standstill. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require expert programming. Smart keys are the latest evolution in car keys. These are a combination between a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your vehicle by using the key. It also lets you do it from the distance. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology. Hardware stores aren't the best option for a new mechanical key to replace the one that has been damaged or lost. Most chains don't have the right equipment or highly trained professionals to be able to create an authentic key that works in your vehicle. You'll save money as well as be more secure if you let the creation of the key to an expert. Laser Keys Laser cut keys may be more expensive than standard blanks however, they provide an extra security layer to your car. They are carved from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be put into the lock from either side and still work. They feature a distinct design and are more difficult to duplicate. It is possible to distinguish a key made of lasers from traditional bladed keys by the thicker shank that has smaller grooves that have been carved. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car because the key is more difficult to turn. These keys are also less likely to become stuck in the lock because they are more precise cut. When you insert a laser-cut key into your lock it transmits a signal to the car's receiver that matches the unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the correct key and can be used to start. If a thief does manage to steal an unauthorised copy of your key, your vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it and will refuse to start. Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s, and are currently used in many luxury cars. They are more expensive to produce than standard key blanks and require specialized equipment, but they add an extra layer of security to your vehicle. If you lose one, an experienced locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and easily for reasonable cost. You might need to have the transponder chip programmed into your key, based on the vehicle you own. It's not something you can do yourself, and dealers charge a lot to do it. A reliable locksmith can program your transponder, however they may not have as much expertise than your local dealer. Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of a majority of newer cars to provide an extra layer security. These chips are synchronized with your car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the key prior to beginning the engine. Even if a burglar is able to steal the key and replicate it, they won't be in a position to start your car since the engine won't start if it doesn't have the proper code. Transponder Keys Nearly every car manufactured in the last 20 years or so will have an embedded transponder chip within it. These are radio transmitters which prevent your car from being started without the correct keys. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against car theft as thieves had come up with a variety of ways to start cars by brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve all of this because it could only allow the car to be turned on for a short period of time, but also verify that there was a genuine key in the ignition. A regular transponder will look like a key made of metal with the top made of plastic. The plastic top houses the transponder which sends the signal to your car whenever the key is near enough. The signal is the digital serial number that matches the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals match the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is one of the best forms of anti-theft technology that the car manufacturer has put in place since it has made theft of cars nearly impossible for anyone who doesn't have a valid key. Depending on the model, there are different types of transponder key that can be used. Some keys include a transponder chip inside the head. Some also have a remote fob that contains the key transponder. The key fobs will often have buttons on them which allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set the alarm, and other functions. A locksmith can help you obtain an updated transponder key to your car, and can program it for you, if necessary. The process is typically simple and involves only just a few steps. First, the new key will need to be cut using a regular metal key cutter, which can usually be done at any automotive store. Then, the transponder keys will need to be programmed for your particular vehicle by an experienced auto locksmith. The process of programming is generally very quick and only takes about 10 minutes. Key Fobs A lot of modern cars have a remote keyless entry system that requires fob. The key fob sends a signal from your vehicle to open the doors or start the motor. If equipped, it can also unlock the boot. It's important to note that a car key fob is not like the typical metal key that you may have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. Don't try to cut your key fob yourself. It's always best to bring your key fob to an expert to cut and program it. Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside it, much like the switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and compact when not in use. You can find fobs without the foldable feature, which appear like regular-sized keys. It isn't easy to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It may require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, dealers can only offer a fob compatible with your specific model. The dealer has the technical knowledge to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your vehicle's security system. The process of finding a replacement key fob can be fairly simple if you have the correct details. To begin, you'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle. You should also have a spare key with you to take along. Get the tools you need: Prior to beginning to program your key fob, read the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you have all of the necessary tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a particular mode, which may involve pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off a certain number times or a combination. Some manufacturers may even use a flashing light or a sound to signal the entry into programming mode. Once you've collected the necessary materials, you'll be able to bring your key fob to your nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can save your time and money since we cut your key fobs for a lower price than the dealership. In addition, we are open later than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to get your key fob cut and programmed.