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Car Key Cutting – Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind Car key cutting is more than cutting a piece of metal. It's a technique that provides security, convenience, and peace of mind for car owners. Bring your current 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 much less expensive than purchasing 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 ridges and grooves cut into them that line up with the pin settings in the lock that allows you to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied from the majority of hardware stores, but a professional locksmith with the right tools will usually be more successful in making copies that are more durable and can work in your vehicle. A professional locksmith can also make keys that are laser-cut. They are more secure than mechanical keys as they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to copy the key and if someone uses a grinder to attempt to copy it they'll likely leave the metal pieces that will not fit in your lock. Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an extra layer of security. These keys contain a tiny chip inside the head that transmits information to your car so it knows it's authentic keys. If the chip in your key is not matched to your car it will not be able to start and remain in a standstill. Keys with this type of chip are more expensive than a mechanical key and require expert cutting and programming. Smart keys are the most recent technology in car keys. They're a mix of the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. This allows you to unlock and start your vehicle by using the key. It also allows you to do so from an extended distance. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your vehicle in minutes using the latest technology. Many people may think that they can find an alternative for a damaged or lost mechanical key from a hardware store, but this is not a safe practice. Most chains do not have the proper equipment or highly skilled professionals to make an excellent key that can be used in your vehicle. You'll save money as well as be safer if you leave the making of the key to a professional. Laser Keys Laser cut keys are more expensive to make than standard key blanks but they provide a higher level of security for your car. They are carved from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be inserted into the lock on either side, and work. They feature a distinct pattern that is more difficult to duplicate. The wider shank and smaller grooves can help you identify a laser-cut key from a traditional bladed key. This makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your car because the key is more difficult to turn. Keys with this design are also less likely to become stuck in locks because they have a more precise cut. When you insert the laser-cut keys inside your lock, a unique signal is sent to the receiver of your car. This informs the car that it is the right key, and that it is able to be started. If a criminal manages to steal an unauthorized copy of your key, the vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it and not start. Laser-cut keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are used in a variety of luxury vehicles. They cost more to make than regular keys and require special equipment, but they provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace it quickly and at a reasonable cost if you lose it. You may need to have the transponder chip programmed into your key depending on the vehicle you drive. You can't do this yourself, and dealers charge a lot for it. A reputable locksmith will be able programme your transponder, but they might not have the same expertise as your local dealer. Transponder chips are incorporated into the keys of many newer vehicles to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your car's specific ignition system and allow it to confirm that the key is legitimate before allowing the engine to start. Even if someone manages to steal the key and replicate it but isn't capable of using it to start your car as the engine won't start in the event that it doesn't have a correct code. Transponder Keys Transponder chips are present in almost all cars built in the past 20 years. They are basically radio transmitters that can prevent your car from starting if you don't have the proper key in place. This was a significant advancement in the fight against auto theft as thieves had found a lot of methods to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch with the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip solved all of this because it could only allow the car to be turned on for a brief period of time, while also registering that there was a valid key in the ignition. A regular transponder will look like a key made of metal with a top made of plastic. The plastic top houses the transponder which sends a signal to your car whenever the key is near enough. This signal contains a digital serial number that matches the original transponder that is inside your car. If the signals match your car's system, it will allow you to operate it. This is one of the best forms of anti-theft technology that manufacturers of cars have implemented because it has made car theft nearly impossible for those who do not have a valid key. There are a few different types of transponder keys which can be used in your vehicle, based on the model. Certain keys come with a transponder chip in the head. Some include an accessory fob that houses the transponder of the key. Key fobs often include buttons that permit you to lock/unlock the car or set an alarm and perform other functions. A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder for your vehicle, and even program it if you need to. keys cut near me now is usually straightforward and only involves the following steps. The new key has to be cut using a key cutter. This can be done at any auto shop. Then, the blank transponder key must be programmed for your particular vehicle by an experienced auto locksmith. The process of programming typically takes only 10 minutes. Key Fobs Many modern cars have the remote keyless system which requires a fob. The fob's key sends signals to your vehicle to unlock doors and start the engine. If it's equipped, it can also open the boot. Be aware that the car fob differs from the conventional keys you may have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that has to be correctly programmed to work with your specific vehicle. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your own fob. It is recommended to leave the cutting and programming of your key fobs to experts. Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with a key that can be folded inside, much like an ad-hoc switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be tucked away when it's not being used. You can find fobs without the foldable feature, that look like a regular-sized key. If you lose your key fob, it can be a huge hassle to find a replacement. It may require specialized tools or a trip to the dealer. Dealers can often only provide an item that is compatible with your car. The dealer has the technical knowledge to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system. Fortunately the process of obtaining an entirely new key fob is relatively simple when you have the right information. You'll need to know your car's year of manufacture, year of manufacture, and model. You should also have a spare key with you to take along. Make sure you have the required equipment Before you attempt to program your keyfob review the instructions supplied by the manufacturer to ensure you have the correct tools and equipment. You'll need to enter a particular mode, which may require pressing certain buttons, turning the ignition on/off at a specific number of times or some combination of these. Some manufacturers may even signal the switch to programming mode with a sound or light flash. You can take your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to get it cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money as we cut your key fobs at less than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer and you won't have hurry in order to have your key fob programmed and cut.