10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Car Keys Cut
Where to Get Car Keys Cut
It is important to have your car keys cut. This will help you save money at the dealership. It will also prevent you from being left stranded in the event that your key is damaged.
Modern keys have transponders that have to be programmed to work with the specific vehicle you have. Your local AutoZone has the capacity to replace these keys at the lowest cost.
What type of key will I need?
There are a variety of different kinds of keys. The most basic is a traditional key, which isn't encoded or programming and is simply cut-off metal that fits into to a lock. They are commonly found on older vehicles.
Keys with a 4-sided or double-sided design are more secure and can be identified as having two or four sets on opposite sides of blade. These keys are harder to pick and can help prevent break-ins as they require more strength to open the locks.
Transponder keys are another type of key. They contain an embedded microchip which is programmed to begin your vehicle. This reduces the risk of theft since the key can only be used with a specific vehicle. Transponder keys are slightly more expensive than traditional or mechanical keys, but they provide greater security.
The majority of the time, if you require a new key the local AutoZone store will have the right parts and knowledge to do it quickly. All you need to do is provide them with the year, MAKE and MODEL of your vehicle and they can take care of it for you.
Some modern vehicles have remote fobs that have to be programmed with the car's computer and requires special tools and software. Many people contact their dealer for this service, but it's not always necessary. You can also search online for aftermarket replacement keys/fobs that are available at a much lower cost than what you'd find at a dealership. But, before you start looking be aware that these keyfobs are susceptible to being hacked so be sure to use a trusted source.
Where can I have a key cut for me?
The majority of auto key cutting locksmiths can cut standard keys for cars. To give you the right key blank, they will need to know your vehicle's year and make, along with the model. They will then cut it on the spot using a precise machine. However, some modern car keys, like fobs, also have built-in transponder chips which require special programming specific to the vehicle. You might be able to purchase these kinds of keys copied by Home Depot or similar stores but they will not have the equipment to clone or program the chip.
A typical key duplication process for a car key of the traditional type involves a person choosing the appropriate key blank and putting it on your current key to serve as a template. A machine then traces the original contours of your key to create the duplicate. Bring in your original key if it has any small scratches. These will be incorporated into your new key.
Mister Minit stores are equipped with the equipment needed to duplicate keys on most automobiles. It is beneficial to have the year, make and model of your car handy together with your remote fob or key so that we can accurately choose the appropriate blank for your replacement key. Many stores will also program the new key if your vehicle is one with a push-button start feature.
What equipment do I require?
Modern ignitions require specialized tools to ensure a flawless cut. Cutting a new car key is much more complex than simply copying an existing one and requires special equipment that is only available at authorized key cutters, locksmiths or hardware stores with the appropriate tools for the task.
The key fobs in the majority of automobiles sold in Australia come with a transponder that is programmed to your vehicle. This security feature was introduced in the 1990s to counter the increasing rate of theft from cars in Australia. It has since become a standard feature for all new cars that are sold in the present.
This means that a spare or replacement key needs to be cut using lasers and programmed to your specific car which is a time-consuming and expensive process. The majority of Mister Minit locations are equipped with the required equipment and know-how to duplicate your current key. All you need to bring is your existing key and, if you have it identify the year model, make and year of your vehicle so we can determine the right code for programming your new key.
It may be worth getting a spare key made for your car that has a push button start. This key Cutter (Telegra.ph) will have an electronic key fob that can be programmed separately to the car. Getting a spare or replacement key cut and programmed is a quick and simple process at many Mister Minit stores. You'll need your vehicle key, and, if it is possible the year and make of the keys, so that we can identify which key contains a transponder and program it to your vehicle.
Can I cut my own keys?
Many big-box retailers and stores offer a key cutting service for a nominal cost. They make use of an instrument that follows the original contours of your key to produce an exact duplicate. This method is suitable for older keys that do not contain chips. Modern cars require keys to be programmed, which isn't an easy task and requires specific equipment and knowledge. Locksmiths are better equipped to handle this kind of job as they have the necessary equipment and tools.
You can also visit a kiosk for cutting keys such as one run by KeyMe. They are convenient, however they are not able to cut all types of keys. Keys that are commonly used can be copied. Other keys with specializations must be mailed to be processed. It is not advisable to duplicate a key that has the words "Do Not Duplicate". You'll need to contact a professional locksmith if this is the situation.
A locksmith can also provide the convenience of coming directly to your office or home. They can locksmith cut car keys cut a key and even reprogram your fob if necessary. You will not have to go to the store and stand in an endless line.
Dealerships know cars but they don't know anything about keys. The process of cutting keys isn't their area of expertise. They have their own interior technology and mechanics. Dealerships are large companies which operate with strict guidelines to protect their bottom lines. They report to car companies that, in turn, provide quarterly reports to investors and shareholders. This is not a good way to provide high-quality customer service, especially when it comes time to cut car keys.
Where can I get a locksmith cut a key for me?
Locksmith firms are the best option. You can also have keys made at hardware stores or self-service kiosks. They are licensed and experienced, and have the equipment to duplicate the majority of keys. They can also help you program your new car key fob or transponder chip.
The original key is used as a model to cut the majority of standard keys. A blank key is put on the opposite side, and both keys move simultaneously through the machine's specialized cutter and create a copy of the original key. For some key types such as car keys and key fobs, the process takes longer since they need to be programmed to work with your vehicle.
Some keys have a "do not duplicate" mark on them, but this is merely an additional security measure to stop unauthorised copying. It doesn't mean that the key can't be copied. However, it may take longer since a locksmith has to inspect the key to ensure it is not tampered.
Other keys can be restricted, and require proof of ownership before they can be cut or copied. This is usually because they have distinctive mechanical features or have a unique shape, and is done to stop them from being used to steal items or get into secured locations.
You'll need to contact the local locksmith to determine whether they are able cut these specialty keys. You can also check their website to check if the locksmith has the necessary equipment and expertise. If they do cut them, you'll be charged a little more than if you were to get an ordinary key cut at an hardware store or self-service kiosk. However, it's cheaper and less stressful to replace a lost key.
