How To Save Money On Keys Cut For Cars Types of Keys Cut For Cars

A new car key is expensive. From a locksmith to the dealership, spare keys can cost hundreds of dollars, and that's not just for ones that come with transponders or smart key fobs.

However the cutting process for keys involves more than just creating a metal piece. To cut various kinds of keys, specific tools and techniques are required.

Traditional Keys

The key-cutting machines that are mechanical are used to cut traditional car keys. The edges of the key are designed to be aligned with pin patterns in the lock to allow the key to unlock the lock. Keys like these are commonly used in older cars that are not secured encoding. Traditional car keys are also cheaper to make than most other key types and are available at any hardware store or locksmith.

The first step in getting an entirely new car key is to identify the kind of car key you'll need. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal that does not have a chip It is possible to have an AutoZone associate create a duplicate of your original key. You can do this by choosing the right key blank for your car's year, make and model and then using an instrument to trace the original key's shape on the blank. This process takes only some minutes and is the most affordable way to get a replacement car key.

A locksmith can cut your new keys. This is slightly more expensive, but it provides more security. Instead of cutting along the edge of the key, a laser is used to cut the key along its edge or in its center. This makes the key stronger and stronger, making it harder for thieves pick. However, you might not be able to use your vehicle using a laser-cut key because it does not unlock the ignition.

Keys for newer models of cars have a chip or transponder. These keys require a special tool to program them, and the car won't start if the wrong signal is received. Another option is to get a smart key, which is more like a remote and can open the car and then start it by pressing a push button. They must be programmed for your car however they are much more convenient than a standard key. If you do have a smart key and it is lost or stolen, you will need to contact the manufacturer of your car.

Transponder Keys

Transponders are more sophisticated than the traditional flat metal keys. The head of the plastic transponder key contains a microchip in it that sends an ID code to the car when it is used to unlock and start the car. The car won't turn over when the chip is damaged or gone. This makes it very important to ensure that your transponder keys are secure and to not lose it.

It is possible to identify a transponder key by the fact that it comes with an a little different and larger plastic head than a standard key. The head also has an antenna ring that is used to transmit this ID code to the computer in your car. If the car matches an ID code to an authentic key, it will disable immobilizers, allowing the engine to run.

This is a relatively recent form of anti-theft tech that has proven successful in keeping thefts at bay. While the majority of vehicles that are on the market today are equipped with this technology, some older models aren't.

It is recommended to contact an auto locksmith if you need to duplicate the transponder. These firms have specialized equipment that allows them to duplicate keys from their inventory and program it to connect to the computer in your car. Certain brands of cars will allow you to do this yourself, following the steps in their owner's guide however, you should speak with a professional for assistance if you aren't confident doing it yourself.

Certain brands of car keys are easier to duplicate than others. Non-transponder keys are still easy to duplicate and can be copied by just about anyone using a few tools. However, a transponder key requires a special tool to copy it. If you lose your key, you will need to go to a locksmith such as Beishir Lock and Security that has access to this device. In the majority of cases the locksmith will be able to have your replacement key made and programmed to work with your vehicle's immobilizer at only a fraction of the cost of an excursion to the dealership.

Laser Keys

A majority of the newer vehicles have keys that are thicker than the bladed keys. They are also more difficult to copy, especially when they don't have a transponder chip. This makes it difficult for thieves to obtain a spare key and also makes your vehicle secure because it is difficult for them to start the car using the physical key.

They are cut with high-security equipment by locksmiths that are who is certified in the field. They are sometimes referred to as sidewinder keys, laser cut keys, or flip keys and are a great option to improve the security of your car. They are also available in most locksmith shops for automotive, but make sure they have the proper tools as these types of keys have a different lock cylinder and require a special kind of machine to cut them.

They are difficult to replicate because the cuts made on them do not go all the way through the metal like the old style bladed keys do. Instead, the cuts are made using milling machines that remove the metal in an exact and precise depth. key cut is used by the locksmith to determine the settings of the machine to make the duplicate. If the machine isn't set correctly you could damage the machine that cuts keys, or even damage lock cylinders.

Another reason these keys are more difficult to make is that the keys themselves are made with a different pattern, which hinders them from working on multiple vehicles with the same lock combination. This is similar to the way keys with a transponder in them need to be programmed by the dealer to function on your car.

They are typically an all-in one unit with the keyfob included. These keys must be programmed by the dealership and typically cost more than a standard key that is only a blank key or an edge-cut. The dealership is likely to be able program your key in the event that you bring it along with you. A reputable auto locksmith may also do this, however the cost will be more expensive.


Smart Keys

Smart keys are the most expensive and sophisticated type of car keys. These are key fob remotes with built-in sensors that can communicate with your car via radio waves. They can lock and unlock your car without the need for an actual key and can also start your engine. Some smart keys come with built-in screens, which allows you to perform a number of functions using the key fob, including navigation and music playback.

These smart keys employ anti-theft technologies to prevent theft. The smart keys transmit a rolling-code the car's computer scans and confirms prior to the engine's start. The car will stop the engine in the event that a burglar attempts to open the doors or start the vehicle with an unauthorised key. This safeguards the investment you've put into your car and provides you with security when you're away.

Modern automobiles are becoming more and more sophisticated, and that's why it's essential to know the distinctions between modern and traditional keys. Knowing what options you have when it's time to replace your key will help you make a decision that suits your needs.

If you're interested in replacing your existing key, we can cut a new one with an original key, or provide a transponder chip supplied by the manufacturer to program the new key into your vehicle. We can cut keys using lasers or edge-cutting and we will do our best to match your original key. We also provide a range of other automotive services, including ignition repair and replacement.

It's a good idea, regardless of the kind of key you own, to always keep an extra. Losing a car key can be costly and stressful, particularly when it requires a trip to the dealership to program it or a locksmith. It is best to have an extra car key before you lose it or need one replaced. Stop by today for a competitive price and quick service! We're your local, trusted auto experts.