Getting a Car Key Cut
Many people believe that when they lose their car keys they will need to visit the dealership to obtain replacement keys. But, key cut place isn't always the case.
Modern automobiles use keys cut with lasers that require transponder chips in order to function. This makes them harder to duplicate. It is recommended to have the key fobs made by a locksmith who uses special equipment.
Cost
The cost to have a car key cut is contingent on the make and model of your car. For older models, it's quite affordable to have a key cut at any hardware store or locksmith shop. Newer cars have laser-cut keys that require special equipment and can be expensive to duplicate. They also come with transponder chips that need to be programmed to match your vehicle. These chips are made for preventing thieves from using stolen keys to start your vehicle and will prevent the vehicle from starting unless you use the correct key. This is an important feature for your car.
Getting a new key at the dealership is the most expensive option, but it's not always required. A lot of people don't realize they can buy an entry key and fob at a hardware store or locksmith for less. A professional key cutting service could take a few minutes to duplicate a standard-sized key and up to an hour for fob keys.
The process of cutting a new car key is different for each vehicle, based on the security features that are installed in the key. Modern cars come with key fobs that need to be programmed in order to work with their vehicle's computer. For instance, certain vehicles only work if the key fob is within the range of the vehicle, so the key fob has to be replaced in order to ensure it functions.
For the majority of makes and models, the key cutting process takes only a few minutes at AutoZone stores. An associate selects the correct key blank for your year, model and model, then cuts it using the key cutting machine. This method is affordable, simple and fast, and can save you lots of time in stressful situations.
Some customers prefer to buy a blank key and try to reprogram it themselves at home. This isn't an easy task for those who are not experienced and is not recommended if want to keep your vehicle's security intact. Key cloning isn't secure, and your vehicle's computer might not be able to tell the difference between the original key and the copied one.
Accuracy
Getting your spare key cut is the most cost-effective and convenient way to replace lost car keys. It can also be the most efficient and secure, since your new key will be a precise clone of the old one, so your car's computer will be unable to distinguish it from the original. This is particularly important in the case where you're the sole driver of the vehicle.
For traditional keys made of metal, locksmith services and hardware stores can cut duplicates in the style of the original. These duplicates are made using specialized machines that shape the replacement keys to match the grooves and ridges of the original. However, for the majority of modern vehicles equipped that have transponder chips, a replacement key must be programmed to integrate with the system of the vehicle.
Fortunately Mister Minit can assist you in this. Bring the key you'd like copied, and if you can, an image of your car keys, to the Mister Minit location nearest you. Then, a staff member will pick the appropriate key blank for your year and make. They will then employ the machine to trace the contours of the existing key, and then precisely shape the blank. This process takes a few minutes and is much less expensive than going to a dealership.
Safety
Car key cutting is more than shaping a piece of metal. It's a technique that guarantees security as well as convenience and peace of mind for car owners. It requires specialized machines and tools to ensure precision and functionality. It is important to use the correct equipment and method to ensure that the key functions properly and does not damage the ignition. It also involves programming the key's chip to match the car's computer system.
A lot of new car keys are equipped with a transponder chip or smart chip which allows them to only start the engine when they are programmed to your vehicle. This is an anti-theft measure that makes it hard for thieves to duplicate or copy your key. It's important that you only have your replacement keys cut by a reputable locksmith that offers professional services and service warranties.
If you are getting your car keys cut, make sure they're working prior to leaving the store or when you get home. If you have problems with your new key, contact the locksmith right away to fix it. This will help avoid future expensive repairs. It will also save you time and stress should you ever lose your car keys. Duplicates also can prevent overpayments. You can also make use of the spare key to open your doors locked in an emergency.