What Is Key Cutting For Cars And Why Is Everyone Talking About It? Car Key Cutting - Security, Convenience, and Peace of Mind

Car key cutting is more than creating a metal piece. It's a skill that offers security and ease of mind for car owners.

Bring your current key to an AutoZone location and an associate will duplicate it using the appropriate key cutting method for your model and make. The process of cutting keys takes only a few minutes and is cheaper than purchasing a new car key purchased from the dealership.

Mechanical Keys

Mechanical keys are the most basic type of car key and date back to the early days of automobile locks. These keys have a pattern of grooves and ridges cut into them that align with the pin settings of a specific lock to unlock it. Mechanical keys can be copied at the majority of hardware stores, but a professional locksmith equipped with the right tools will usually have greater success in creating copies that are more durable and work inside your vehicle.

A professional locksmith can make laser-cut keys. They are more secure than mechanical keys due to the fact that they feature grooves on both sides. This makes it difficult to duplicate the key and if someone is using grinders to try to copy it they'll likely leave some metal pieces that won't fit in your lock.

Transponder keys were introduced in the 1990s as an additional layer of security. They have a chip in the head of the key that communicates with your vehicle to let it know it is authentic. If the chip inside the key is not connected to your vehicle it will not begin and remain in a standstill. These keys are more costly than a mechanical one and require expert programming and cutting.

Smart keys are the most recent advancement in car keys. They are a combination of keys that are mechanical and wireless remote control. It allows you to unlock and start your vehicle using the key, and allows you to do this from an extended distance. A mobile auto locksmith can design smart keys for your car in minutes using the latest technology.

Many people think they can find a replacement for their lost or damaged mechanical key at a hardware store, but this is not a good idea. Most hardware stores do not have the tools or highly-trained experts to create an effective key that will work inside your vehicle. It is safer to hand over the making of your key to a professional, and you'll save money in the end by choosing this option.

Laser Keys

Laser cut keys may be more expensive than regular blanks, however they add an additional layer of security to your vehicle. They are carved from the middle using a laser, which allows them to be inserted in the lock on either side, and work. They also have a distinct design and are more difficult to duplicate.

You can tell a laser-cut key apart from traditional bladed keys by the thicker shank that has fewer carved grooves. This means that the key is more difficult to turn than the standard key, making it more difficult for thieves to gain entry into your car without much time and effort. Keys with this design are less likely to be stuck in the lock because they are more precise cutting.


When you insert a laser-cut keys into your lock it transmits a signal to the car's receiver that matches its unique pattern. This signals the car that it's the right key and can be started. If a thief does manage to get their hands on an unauthorized copy of your key, the car's transmitter will not be able to recognize it and refuse to start.

Laser-cut keys have been in use in luxury cars since the 1990s. They are more expensive and require special equipment, but they provide an extra layer security for your vehicle. If you lose one, a professional locksmith will be able to replace it quickly and efficiently for reasonable cost.

Depending on the model of your car depending on the model, you might need to include a transponder chip into the key to get it to work. You can't do this yourself, and car dealerships charge a lot to do it. A reliable locksmith can program your transponder, however they might not have the same expertise as your local dealer.

Most newer cars come with laser-cut keys with transponder chips to add an additional layer of security. These chips are registered with your car's ignition system, allowing it to verify the key before making the motor start. Even if the person who stole it is capable of stealing and replicating the key, they will not be able to start the car because the engine won't start if the code isn't correct.

Transponder Keys

Almost any car built in the last 20 years or therefore will have an embedded transponder chip within it. These are radio transmitters that prevent your car from being started without the right keys. This was a major breakthrough in the fight against auto theft since thieves had found a lot of methods to start cars by brute force (pushing the ignition switch using the flat screwdriver) and hot-wiring (bypassing the ignition system completely). The transponder chip was the answer to all of this, since it allowed the car to be turned on for a brief period of time. It also verified that there was a key inside.

A regular transponder will look like a key made of metal with the top made of plastic. This plastic top houses the transponder that will send a signal to your car whenever the key is near enough. This signal contains a serial number digital that matches the transponder in your car. If the signals are compatible, you will be capable of operating your car. This is the best anti-theft technology the car manufacturer can employ because it makes car theft almost impossible for anyone without a valid key.

Based on the model, there are several different types of transponder key that can be used. Some of them have the traditional transponder chip which is located inside the head of the key. Others have remote keys which includes the transponder of the key. Key fobs usually come with buttons that allow you to lock or unlock your car or set an alarm and perform other functions.

how much to get car key cut can help you get an updated transponder key to your car and can even program it for you, if necessary. The process is typically simple and requires only the following steps. First, the new key has to be cut using a regular metal key cutter, which is usually be done at any auto retailer. Then, the blank transponder key must be programmed for your specific vehicle by a professional auto locksmith. The process of programming is typically extremely quick and takes around 10 minutes.

Key Fobs

Many modern vehicles have the remote keyless system which requires a fob. The fob is used to send an alert from your vehicle to unlock the doors or start the motor. It can also open the trunk, if equipped.

Be aware that the car fob differs from the standard metal keys you may have on your keychain. It's an intricate piece of electronic equipment which must be programmed correctly in order to work with your vehicle. It is not recommended to cut your key fob by yourself. It's best to leave cutting and programming of your fobs to experts.

Fobs are typically small and rectangular. Some come with a key that folds inside, similar to a switchblade. This lets the fob be smaller and compact 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 trouble to obtain a replacement. It may require special tools or a trip to a dealership. Dealers can often only provide an item that is compatible with the model you have. The dealer has the technical expertise to ensure that a replacement fob is compatible with your car's security system.

Fortunately, the process of getting an entirely new key fob is relatively simple when you have the correct information. To begin, you'll need to know the year, model and year of your vehicle. Take with you a spare key that is functional.

Make sure you have the required equipment Before you attempt to program your keyfob, check the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure you have the right tools and equipment. You will need to enter a specific mode that might involve switching the ignition off and on for a certain amount of times, pressing specific buttons or any combination of these. Some manufacturers might even employ a flashing light or sound to signal the entry into programming mode.

After you've gathered all the necessary materials, you'll be able to bring your key fob into your nearest Mister Minit store to have it cut and programmed. We can help you save time and money by cutting your key fobs at a a much more reasonable price than the dealership. We are open later than the dealer and you won't have to rush to work to get your keyfob programed and cut.