10 Things That Everyone Doesn't Get Right Concerning Key Cutting For Cars

10 Things That Everyone Doesn't Get Right Concerning Key Cutting For Cars

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

The art of cutting car keys involves more than just bent metal. It's a technique that offers security, convenience and peace of mind to vehicle owners.

Bring your current key to a participating AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the appropriate key cutting method for your model and make. The key-cutting process takes a matter of minutes and is much less costly than buying a new car key from the dealership.

Mechanical Keys

Mechanical keys are the simplest kind of car keys and dates back to the early days of automotive locks. They have a pattern of grooves and ridges cut into them that line up with the pins in the lock that allows you to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied from most hardware stores, but an experienced locksmith with the right tools will usually have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and will work with your vehicle.

A professional locksmith is also capable of creating laser cut keys. They are more secure than traditional mechanical key since they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it more difficult to make copies and, if someone attempts to make use of a grinder to the key, they will likely leave behind a lot of metal pieces that will not fit in your lock.

Transponder keys were introduced in the 90s as an additional layer of security. These keys contain an embedded chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to confirm that it is legitimate. If the chip inside your key isn't matched to your vehicle it will not begin and remain in a standstill. These keys are more costly than mechanical keys and require professional programming.

Smart keys are the newest technology in car keys. These are a combination of a traditional mechanical key and remote control. You can open and start your car using this key and operate it by remote. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your vehicle in minutes using the latest technology.

Many people think they can find an alternative for a damaged or lost mechanical key at hardware stores however this isn't an appropriate method. Most chains do not have the proper equipment or highly trained professionals to be able to create an authentic key that will work well in your vehicle. You'll save money as well as be more secure if you let the making of the key to a professional.

Laser Keys

Laser cut keys can be more expensive than regular blanks, however, they provide an extra security feature to your vehicle. Lasers are used to cut them from the middle, allowing them to be inserted into the lock on either side and still function. They also have a different design and are more difficult to duplicate.

You can discern a laser-cut key from traditional bladed keys due to the wider shank with smaller grooves that have been carved. This means the key is harder to turn than a standard key and makes it more difficult for thieves to open your car without much time and effort. These keys are also less likely to become stuck in the lock because they are more precise cut.

When you insert the laser-cut keys into your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the car's receiver. This informs the car that it's the correct key, and allows it to start. If a thief is able to get their hands onto an unauthorized key, the vehicle's transmitter will not recognize it. It will not start.

Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require specialized equipment to create keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security to your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and easily 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 most car dealers will charge an amount of money to complete the task for you. A good locksmith is likely to be able program your transponder on your behalf, although they may not have the same level of expertise as the dealer you are dealing with.

The majority of modern cars have laser-cut keys that feature transponder chips, which provide an additional layer of security. These chips are registered to your vehicle's specific ignition system and permit it to confirm that the key is authentic before allowing the engine to start. Even if someone succeeds in stealing the key and duplicate it however, they will not be capable of using it to start your car because the engine will refuse to 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 keep 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 because thieves had discovered a variety of ways to start vehicles with brute force (pushing the ignition switch using the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely).  automobile keys made near me  was able to solve all of that as it could only allow the car to be turned on for a short time while also registering that there was a genuine key in the ignition.

A standard transponder can look like a key made of steel with a top made of plastic. This plastic top houses the actual transponder that will send the signal to your car when the key is near enough. This signal has a serial number digital that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible, your car will allow you to operate it. This is the most effective anti-theft system that an automaker can put in place because it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without an authentic key.

Based on the model, there are several different kinds of transponder keys that are available. Some have the traditional transponder chip which is located in the head of the key. Some also have a remote fob that contains the transponder chip of the key. The key fobs will often have buttons on them which allow you to lock and unlock your vehicle, set the alarm, and perform other functions.

A locksmith can assist you in getting you a new transponder for your vehicle, and even program it if needed. This process is usually fairly easy and requires only several steps. The new key must be cut using a metal key cutter. This can be accomplished at any automotive store. Then, the transponder key will need to be programmed for your particular vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The procedure of programming usually takes just 10 minutes.

Key Fobs

Many modern cars use an electronic keyless entry system that requires a fob. The key fob transmits an electronic signal to the vehicle to unlock doors or start the engine. It also opens the trunk, if equipped.

It's important to remember that a car key fob is not like the traditional metal key you've got on your keychain. It's a complex piece of electronic equipment that must be programmed correctly to work with your vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob yourself. It is recommended to leave cutting and programming of your fobs for key fobs to experts.

Fobs are usually small and rectangular. Some feature an internal key that folds into it, much like the switchblade. This reduces the size of the fob and allows it to be tucked away when not being used. There are also fobs that resemble an ordinary key, but without the foldable key.

If you lose your key fob it could be a major pain to get a replacement. It could require specialized tools or a visit to the dealer. Dealers usually only offer a key fob that is compatible with the model you have. The dealer has the technical expertise to make sure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.

The process of getting a replacement key fob can be quite simple if have the correct information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your car. Take with you a spare key that is functional.

Get the tools you need: Prior to beginning to program your key fob, consult the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure you have all the required tools and equipment. You'll be required to enter a specific mode, which may require pressing certain buttons or turning off the ignition a certain number times or a combination. Some manufacturers will even signal the switch to programming mode by sound or flashing lights.

You can take your key fob to the Mister Minit store nearest you to be programmed and cut. We'll save you time and money as we cut your key fobs for less than the dealership. We are open earlier than the dealer, so you won't need hurry in order to have your key fob programmed and cut.