What Is Key Cutting For Cars And Why Is Everyone Dissing It?

· 6 min read
What Is Key Cutting For Cars And Why Is Everyone Dissing It?

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

The art of cutting keys for cars involves more than simply cutting a piece of metal. It's a technique that provides security and ease of mind for vehicle owners.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the appropriate key cutting procedure for your model and make. The key cutting process takes only few minutes and is much less expensive than purchasing a new car key at the dealership.

Mechanical Keys

Mechanical keys date back to the early automotive locks and are the most basic kind of car key. These keys have an arrangement that is in line with the pin settings of a lock to open it. Mechanical keys can be copied at many hardware stores, however an experienced locksmith with the right tools will generally have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and work in your vehicle.

A professional locksmith can create laser-cut keys. They are more secure than a traditional mechanical key since they have grooves on both sides of the key. This makes it more difficult to copy the key and, if someone uses a grinder to try to duplicate the key they'll likely end up leaving the metal pieces that will not fit into 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 communicates with your car, so it can verify that it's genuine keys. If the chip in your car's key is not compatible, your vehicle will not start. These keys are more costly than a mechanical key and require a professional programming and cutting.

Smart keys are the most recent advancement in car keys. These are a combination between the mechanical key and a wireless remote control. This lets you unlock and start your vehicle using the key, and lets you do it from a distance. A mobile auto locksmith can create smart keys for your vehicle within a matter of minutes, using the latest technology.

Many people believe that they can find a replacement for their damaged or lost mechanical key from hardware stores, but this is not a good idea. The majority of chains don't have the right equipment or highly trained professionals to be able to create a quality key that will work well in your vehicle. You will save money and be more secure if you let the creation of the key to an expert.

Laser Keys

Laser cut keys cost more to produce than standard key blanks but offer an additional layer of security for your car. Lasers are used to carve them from the middle, allowing them to be inserted into the lock at either end, and work. They have a unique pattern and are more difficult to duplicate.


The longer shank that is thicker and has fewer grooves will help you discern a laser-cut key from a bladed traditional key. This means that the key is harder to turn than a standard key which makes it harder 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 key in your lock, a distinct signal is sent to the car's receiver. This signals the car that it's the correct key, and can be started. If a burglar gets their hands on a stolen key, the car's transmitter will not register it. It will refuse to start.

Laser-cut keys first came out in the 1990s and are used in a wide range of luxury vehicles. They are more expensive and require special equipment keys, but they do provide an additional layer of security for your vehicle. A professional locksmith can replace your key quickly and efficiently at a reasonable cost if you lose it.

You may need to have the transponder chip programmed into your key, based on the vehicle you drive. This isn't something you can do on your own and the majority of car dealers will charge an amount of money to complete the task for you. A reliable locksmith will be able programme your transponder, but they might not have the same experience than your local dealer.

Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips that provide an extra layer of security. These chips are synchronized with your car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the key prior to starting the motor. Even if a burglar manages to steal the key and replicate it but isn't capable of using it to start your car as the engine will refuse to start when it doesn't have the correct code.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips can be found in almost all cars built in the last 20 years. These are radio transmitters that make sure your car isn't started without the correct keys. This was a significant breakthrough in the fight against car theft since thieves had devised a variety of ways to start cars using brute force. (Pushing the ignition switch with flat screwdrivers) and hot-wiring. (Bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was able to solve all of that as it only allowed the car to be turned on for a brief period of time, but also verify that there was a genuine key in place.

A regular transponder will look like a key made of metal with an outer cover made of plastic. The plastic top houses the actual transponder that will transmit a signal to your car when the key is close to. The signal is comprised of the digital serial number that matches the original transponder inside of your car. If the signals are compatible the car's transponder, it will allow you to operate it. This is the best anti-theft technology a car manufacturer can implement because it makes car theft impossible for anyone without an authentic key.

There are a variety of types of transponder keys that can be utilized in your vehicle, based on the model. Some keys have a transponder chip in the head. Others come with a remote key fob which includes the transponder for the key. Key fobs usually include buttons that permit you to lock or unlock your car and set an alarm and perform other functions.

A locksmith can help you get you a new transponder to your vehicle, and even program it if needed.  Internet Page  is usually straightforward and requires only a few simple steps. The first step is that the new key needs to be cut with the standard metal key cutter, which can be done at any auto store. Then, the transponder key will need to be programmed to your specific vehicle by an auto locksmith who is a professional. The programming process usually takes about 10 minutes.

Key Fobs

Many modern cars have the remote keyless system which requires fob. The key fob transmits a signal to your vehicle to open doors or start the engine. It can also open the trunk, if it is equipped.

It's important to remember that a car key fob is not like the traditional metal key you might have on your keychain. It's a complicated piece of electronic equipment that has to be properly programmed to fit your specific vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob by yourself. It is best to leave cutting and programming of your key fobs to professionals.

Fobs tend to be small and rectangular. Some have an internal key that folds into it, similar to a switchblade. This allows the fob to be smaller and compact when not in use. You can find fobs without the foldable feature, which look like normal-sized keys.

If you lose your key fob, it can be a real trouble to obtain replacement. It could require specialized tools or a visit to the dealer. Dealers usually only offer an item that is compatible with the model you have. This is because the dealer has the technological experience to ensure that the replacement fob works with your car's security system.

The process of obtaining a replacement key fob can be fairly simple if you have the correct information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. You should also have a working spare key that you can bring with you.

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

Once you've collected the necessary items, you can take your key fob into your closest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs for the lower cost than the dealership. We are also open longer than the dealership, so you don't have to rush off to work to get your key fob cut and programmed.