Types of Keys Cut For Cars
The cost of a new car keys isn’t inexpensive. From a locksmith to the dealership, spare keys can cost hundreds of dollars, particularly ones that come with transponders or smart key fobs.
However, the key cutting process involves more than just creating a metal piece. To cut various types of keys, special tools and techniques are required.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are cut with the help of a mechanical key-cutting device. The edges of the keys are designed to match pin patterns inside the lock to allow the key to unlock the lock. These kinds of keys can be found in older vehicles that do not use security encryption. Traditional car keys are also cheaper to make than most other types of keys and can be purchased at any locksmith store or hardware store.
To obtain a new key for your car first, you have to decide the kind of key you require. If you have a traditional metal key that does not require a chip and is as easy as getting an associate copy of the original key from your local AutoZone. This is done by selecting the appropriate key blank for the year, make and model of your vehicle and then using a key cutting car key machine to trace the design of the original key onto the blank. This process will take only some minutes and is the cheapest method to get a replacement car key.
Another option is to have a locksmith cut your new key. This is a little more expensive option, however it offers extra security. Rather than simply cutting along the edges of the key the laser cutter is used to mill around the key’s edge or down its middle. This makes the key thicker and stronger, making it harder to steal. However, you may not be able to operate your vehicle with a laser-cut key, because it does not unlock the ignition.
Keys for newer models of cars include transponders or chips. These keys require a special tool to program them and the car won’t start if the wrong signal is received. Smart keys are a different option. They behave more like remote controls and can unlock and start the vehicle with just the touch of the button. These keys must be programmed to your car however they are much more convenient than a standard key. If you lose or are robbed of your smart key, you should contact the manufacturer of your car.
Transponder Keys
Transponders are more sophisticated than the conventional flat keys made of metal. The head of a transponder key has a microchip in it which transmits an identification code to the car when it is used to unlock and start the car. If the chip is damaged or damaged, the car will not recognize the key and will refuse to turn. It is crucial that you do not lose your transponder and store it in a safe place.
Transponder keys have a slightly larger and more distinct plastic head. The head also has an antenna ring that can be used to transmit the 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 continue to run.
This is a relatively new type of anti-theft technology that has proven successful in keeping thefts at bay. While the majority of cars available today have this technology, there are some older vehicles do not.
If you require a transponder key duplicated, your best bet is to call an auto locksmith in your area. They will employ specialized equipment to clone the key that is already in your vehicle and then have it programmed to work with the car’s computer. Some car brands can also do this by following the instructions in the owner’s manual but you should always consult an expert if not confident doing this yourself.
Certain brands of car keys are more easy to copy than others. Non-transponder keys are still easy to duplicate and can be copied by almost anyone using a few tools. However, a transponder key requires a specific device in order to be copied. If you lose it, then you’ll have to find an authorized locksmith like Beishir Lock and Security who is equipped with this equipment. In the majority of cases the locksmith will be able to create a new key and programmed to work with your vehicle’s immobilizer system at a fraction of the cost of an excursion to the dealership.
Laser Keys
Many of the latest vehicles have keys that are more thicker than traditional bladed keys. They can be more difficult to copy of, particularly if keys do not have transponder chips in the keys. This makes it harder for thieves to get a spare and clone also helps keep your car more secure since it’s harder for them to start the vehicle using just a physical key.
They must be cut with high-security equipment and require a certified locksmith to do the work. They are also known as sidewinder keys or laser cut keys or flip keys. They are a great option to improve the security of your car. They are also available at many locksmith shops for automobiles however, make sure they have the proper tools as these types of keys use an entirely different lock cylinder and require a different kind of machine to cut them.
They are harder to copy because the cuts they make aren’t a full length through the metal like the old style bladed keys do. The milling machine cuts metal at a calibrated and precise depth. The 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, it could damage the key cutting machine or even damage your lock cylinders.
Another reason why these keys are harder to make is because the keys are made with a different pattern, which makes them incompatible with 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 work on your car.
They are typically an all-in-one unit that has an attached keyfob. They must be programmed at the dealership and generally cost more than the standard key that just needs a blank key or an edge-cut key cut. It is usually necessary to bring your current key with you and the dealer will have the tools to program it for you. A reputable auto locksmith can also program your key, but the cost will be higher.
Smart Keys
Smart keys are the most expensive and advanced kind of car keys. These are key fob remotes with built-in sensors that can communicate with your car via radio waves. They can lock your car and open it without a physical key. They can also start your car. Some smart keys have an integrated screen that lets you perform a number of functions using the key fob, including navigation and music playback.
These smart keys employ anti-theft technologies to prevent theft. They transmit a rolling number, which the car’s computer detects and validates prior to making the engine start. The car will shut off the engine if a thief tries to open the doors or start the car with an unauthorised key. This feature protects the investment you’ve made in your vehicle and provides extra peace of mind when you’re away.
Modern cars are more complex than ever before, and it’s essential to know the distinctions between traditional keys and modern keys. Knowing the options available when it’s time to replace your key will allow you to make a decision that suits your needs.
If you want to replace the key you have, then we can either cut a duplicate using your original key or use an electronic transponder from the manufacturer in order to program keys into your car. We can cut both laser-cut and edge-cut keys, and we’ll make every effort to match your old key as closely as is possible. We offer a wide range of automotive services including ignition repair and replacement.
No matter which type of key you have it’s an excellent idea to have an extra spare in your possession. The loss of a car keys can be expensive and stressful, especially when it requires an excursion to the dealer for programming or locksmith. It is best to have an extra car key before you lose it or need one to be replaced. We offer competitive pricing and quick service, so stop by today! We’re your local, reliable auto experts.