Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind Car key cutting is more than shaping a piece of metal. It's an art that ensures security and convenience as well as peace of mind for vehicle owners. Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the proper key cutting technique for your make and model. The process of cutting keys takes a matter of minutes and is cheaper than purchasing a new car key purchased from the dealership. Mechanical Keys Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the most basic type of car key. They have patterns that match the pin settings of a lock to open it. The majority of hardware stores can duplicate mechanical keys, but locksmiths with the right tools can make copies that are more durable and can be used in your car. A professional locksmith will also be capable of creating 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 difficult to copy the key and, if someone uses a grinder to try to copy it they'll likely leave the metal pieces that won't fit in the lock. In the 1990s transponder keys were created as an additional layer of security. They have an embedded chip in the head of the key that communicates with your car to inform it that it is genuine. If the chip on the key of your car is not compatible, your vehicle will not start. These keys are more expensive than mechanical keys and require expert programming. Smart keys are the newest advancement in car keys. They're a mix of a mechanical key and a wireless remote control. You can open and start your car with this key and operate it by remote. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your vehicle in a matter of minutes using the most recent technology. Hardware stores aren't the best option to purchase a replacement mechanical key for the one that has been damaged or lost. The majority of chains don't have the right equipment or highly skilled experts to be able to create an excellent key that works in your vehicle. You will save money and be more secure if you let the making of the key to an expert. 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 cut from the middle using a laser which allows them to be inserted in the lock on either side and still function. They also have a unique design and are more difficult to duplicate. The longer shank that is thicker and has smaller grooves can help you distinguish a laser-cut from a bladed traditional key. This means that the key is harder to turn than an ordinary key which makes it harder for thieves to open your car without much time and effort. The keys are less likely to get stuck in the lock since they have more precise cutting. When you insert the laser-cut key in your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the car's receiver. This lets the car know that it is the right key, and that it is able to be started. If a burglar gets their hands onto an unauthorized key, the vehicle's transmitter will not be able to recognize it. It will refuse to start. Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive 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 efficiently at a reasonable price if you lose it. It is possible that you will need the transponder chip programmed in your key based on the car you own. This isn't something you can do on your own and the majority of car dealerships will charge an expense of a few hundred dollars to complete the task for you. A reputable locksmith will be able program your transponder, however they might not have the same expertise than your local dealer. Transponder chips are included in the keys of many newer vehicles to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with the car's ignition system, which allows it to verify the keys before beginning the engine. Even if someone manages to steal the key and duplicate it but isn't capable of using it to start your car since the engine won't start when it doesn't have the proper code. Transponder Keys Nearly every car manufactured in the last 20 years or therefore will have a transponder chip in it. These are essentially radio transmitters that will keep 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 since thieves had devised a variety of methods to start cars with brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch using screwdrivers with flat blades) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system entirely). The transponder chip was the answer to all of this, because it only allowed the car to be turned on for a short period of time and also registered that there was a key inside. A normal transponder will appear like a key made of steel with a top made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder that will send a message to your car whenever the key is within close proximity. The signal is the digital 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 technology a car manufacturer can implement since it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone who does not have a valid key. There are a variety of types of transponder keys which can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Some are equipped with a traditional transponder chip that is located in the head of the key. Some have a remote key fob which includes the transponder for the key. The key fobs will often include buttons that can lock/unlock your car, set the alarm, and other functions. A locksmith can assist you obtain a new transponder key for your car and can even program it for you, should you require it. This process is usually simple and only involves a few simple steps. The new key needs to be cut with a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any automotive store. Then, the blank transponder key must be programmed for your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The process of programming typically takes about 10 minutes. Key Fobs A lot of modern cars have an electronic keyless entry system that requires a fob. The key fob sends a signal from your vehicle to unlock the doors or start the motor. If it is equipped, it will also open the boot. Be aware that the car fob differs from the conventional keys that you might have on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that has to be properly programmed to be compatible with the specific vehicle you have. This is why you shouldn't attempt to cut your fob yourself. It's always best to take your fob to an expert to cut and program it. Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some have keys that folds inside, similar to a switchblade. This lets the fob become smaller and tucked away when not in use. There are fobs that don't have the foldable feature, which look like normal-sized keys. It can be difficult to replace your key fob in the event that you lose it. It may require special tools or a trip to the dealer. Often, dealers can only provide a fob that is compatible with your specific model. This is because the dealer has the technology experience to ensure that the replacement fob works with the security system of your vehicle. Fortunately, the process of getting a 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 car. 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 that you have the correct tools and equipment. You'll need 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 use a flashing light or sound to signal the switch to programming mode. After you've gathered all the necessary items, you can take your key fob to the nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We'll save you time and money because we cut your key fobs for a lower price than the dealership. We are open earlier than the dealer, so you won't need hurry to get your keyfob programed and cut.