Is Technology Making Keys Cut For Cars Better Or Worse
Types of Keys Cut For Cars
A new car key can be costly. From a locksmith to the dealership spare keys can cost hundreds of dollars, and that's not just for ones that have transponders or smart key fobs.
However the process of cutting keys involves more than simply creating a metal piece. Different kinds of keys require specific machinery and methods to cut them correctly.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are cut with the help of a mechanical key-cutting device. The edges of the keys are designed to be aligned with pin patterns on the lock, allowing the key to open the lock. These kinds of keys can be found in older vehicles that do not use security encoding. Traditional car keys are cheaper to make than most other types of keys and can be purchased at any locksmith store or hardware store.
The first step in acquiring an entirely new car key is to determine the kind of car key you'll need. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal without a chip in it It is possible to have an AutoZone associate make a copy of your original key. This is accomplished by selecting the right key blank for the year, model and type of your car and then using a key-cutting machine to trace the outline of the original key on the blank. This process will take only some minutes and is the most affordable way to acquire a replacement key.
A locksmith can cut your new key. This is a bit more expensive option, but it also offers additional security. Instead of cutting along the edge of the key the laser is used to mill the key along its edge or in its center. This makes the key stronger and thicker, and it is much harder for thieves to steal. You may not be able drive your vehicle with laser-cut keys because it does not unlock the engine.
Keys for newer models of cars include transponders or chips. These keys require an additional programming tool in order to work and the car will not start if it gets the wrong signal. Smart keys are an alternative. They act more like remotes and are able to unlock and start your car with a simple push of one button. These keys must be programmed for your car but are far more convenient than a traditional key cut places near me. If you lose or steal your smart key, you must contact the manufacturer of your car.
Transponder Keys
Transponders are more sophisticated than the conventional flat keys made of metal. Transponder keys contain a microchip inside the head of plastic which transmits an ID number when they are used to unlock or start the car. The car will not start when the chip is damaged or missing. This makes it very important to keep your transponder key safe and to not lose it.
You can recognize the transponder key by the fact that it features an slightly different and larger head of plastic than a standard key. The head also has an antenna ring which is used to transmit this ID code to the car's computer. If the car is able to match the ID code with an authorized key, it will deactivate the immobilizer and allow the engine to operate.
This is a relatively new form of anti-theft tech that has been successful in stopping thefts. While the majority of vehicles on the market today have this technology, some older models do not.
If you require duplicate keys for your transponder, your best bet is to contact an auto locksmith in your area. They will employ specially designed equipment to duplicate the key that is already in your vehicle and program it to work with the computer in the car. Certain car manufacturers can do this themselves by following the directions in their owner's manuals, however, you should always consult an expert if not confident doing this yourself.
Certain types of car keys are more easy to copy than others. Non-transponder keys are still easy to duplicate and can be copied by just about anyone with a few tools. Transponder keys require a specific device to copy. If you lose yours, you will need to visit a locksmith like Beishir Lock and Security that has access to this device. In the majority of cases, the locksmith can make a replacement key and programmed to work with the vehicle's immobilizer at less than the cost of going to the dealership.
laser key cutting Keys
A lot of newer vehicles come with a key that is much more thicker than traditional bladed keys. These keys are more difficult to copy of, particularly if the keys don't have any transponder chips within them. This makes it more difficult for thieves to obtain an extra key and helps keep your car more secure as it is difficult for them to start the vehicle using a simple physical key.
The keys must be cut with high-security equipment and require a licensed locksmith to complete the job. They are also referred to as laser cut keys, sidewinder keys, or flip keys. They are a great option to enhance the security of your car. They can be found at most automotive locksmith shops however, make sure they have the proper equipment since these kinds of keys have an entirely different lock cylinder and require a specific type of machine to cut keys.
They are more difficult to duplicate because the cuts they make don't go all the way through the metal, as the bladed keys of the past do. Instead the cuts are made by milling machines that remove the metal at the exact and measured depth. A key code is used by the locksmith to determine the settings of the machine in order to create the duplicate. If the machine isn't set up correctly you could damage your key cutting machine, or even destroy lock cylinders.
They are also more difficult to make due to a pattern that is different. This makes them incapable of working with multiple cars with the exact same lock pattern. This is similar to the way that keys with a transponder inside need to be programmed by the dealer in order to work on your car.
The majority times they are a complete unit that has a key fob attached to them. These have to be programmed by the dealership and typically cost more than the standard key that just needs a key blank or an edge-cut key cut. The dealership should be able to program your key when you bring it with you. A reputable automotive locksmith will also be able to do this for you but it'll cost a little more.
Smart Keys Keys
Smart keys are the most expensive and advanced type of car keys. These are key fobs that have built-in sensors that communicate with your car via radio waves. They can be used to lock and unlock your vehicle without the need for a physical key, as well as start your engine. Certain smart keys come with built-in screens that lets you perform various functions, including navigation and music playing.
These smart keys employ anti-theft technology to stop theft. The smart keys transmit a rolling-code the car's computer recognizes and validates prior to the engine's start. If a burglar attempts to open the doors of the car or start the engine using an unauthorised key, the car will trigger alarm and shut down the engine. This feature helps protect the investment you've made in your vehicle and provides extra security when you're away.
Modern automobiles are more complicated than ever before, and it is essential to understand the difference between traditional keys and modern ones. When it's time to replace a key, knowing the various options available will allow you to make the best choice for your needs.
If you are interested in replacing your existing key, we can cut a brand new one with an original key, or provide a transponder chip supplied by the manufacturer to program a new key into your vehicle. We can cut edge-cut and laser car key cutting service near me-cut keys, and we'll try our best to match the original key as closely as you can. We also offer a range of other automotive services including ignition repair and replacement.
It's a good idea regardless of the type of key you own, to always keep an extra. The loss of a car keys can be stressful and costly, especially when it requires going to the dealership to program it or locksmith. It is recommended to purchase an extra car key before you lose it or need one to be replaced. Stop by today for a competitive price and quick service! We're your local, reliable auto expert.
