“How Transponder Keys Keep Your Car Safe! The locksmith industry has significantly developed, offering advanced lock solutions. Earlier, if someone misplaced vehicle keys, they would get a spare key made for about $10. However, with advances in the automotive sector, the landscape is rapidly changing, especially with high-security keys and locks. Modern automobile keys now utilize transponder technology, which not only starts the car but also remotely opens the door, ensuring an added layer of security. These high-tech transponder keys make it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or bypass, enhancing your vehicle’s overall safety. While these functionalities are impressive, they also complicate the process of renewing high-security vehicle keys, making them both unique and a challenge to replace.”
What makes high-security keys so advanced, and why are they challenging to replace?
High security keys:
When dealing with high-security keys, it’s essential to understand their level of protection. These keys are designed to resist attacks like bumping and picking, offering strong security. However, even the best high-security keys can be problematic. Sometimes, a locksmith is needed to fix issues such as the key being replicated without permission or when the key becomes worn and difficult to turn. The sidewinder key design adds an extra layer of resistance, but if not properly maintained, it can still be circumvented. As a layperson, it’s crucial to stay in contact with a skilled locksmith who is prepared to talk you through any challenges. If the lock is laser-cut, only a high-security key will work, making it even more important to protect and properly maintain it.
Sidewinder Keys:
A sidewinder key is a contemporary automobile key that uses a high-security blade to enhance security. The sidewinder key technology was introduced in the 1990s and has become essential in the automobile industry, helping to prevent car theft. Initially used by premium automobile companies like Porsche and BMW, sidewinder keys have since spread to less expensive car brands. These transponder key systems provide added protection, ensuring that only the correct key can start the vehicle. This technology has been incorporated into new vehicles across various automobile manufacturers and showrooms. The task of preventing car theft is made more efficient thanks to this cutting-edge technology.
Can High-Security Keys Like Sidewinder Keys Be Copied?
High-security keys like sidewinder keys are known for their unique distinguishing characteristics, including engraved indents and special indentation that makes it difficult to duplicate them. When you insert a high-security key into the keyhole, it interacts with the pins and shear bar, preventing unauthorized access. The shear bar acts as a barrier, stopping the plug from turning unless the correct key is used. While it is technically feasible to clone a high-security key, it’s a complicated process and requires a skilled key cutter who can read the code on the bow of the key. Due to the intricate design and advanced shear function, bypassing this security is not easy and is not something a standard key can do.
Copying Sidewinder Keys
Sidewinder keys require a skilled auto locksmith to follow precise procedures for accurate duplication. The first step involves decoding the cuts on the current key fob, followed by setting up the sidewinder machine with the appropriate key blank. Finally, the blade is cut based on the cuts deciphered. This process is highly critical to ensure the key functions smoothly in the lock system.
Retrieving the Original Combination and Decoding the Original Blade
To cut laser-cut keys, you must first get the original cuts or the key code. A skilled locksmith can use the human eye to decode it or rely on a sidewinder machine with a tracer to analyze the existing cuts. Alternatively, the code can be ordered from a trusted source to ensure precision. This process highlights the importance of the right machine and expertise for creating reliable keys.
The right setting for cutting a key blade
To cut a key accurately, the key code must first be retrieved and matched to the correct vehicle manufacturer and key profile. Properly setting the key cutting machine is an important step to prevent damage. Ignoring these details or using the wrong parameters can harm the machine or result in an unusable key. Always align the cutting process with the specific vehicle and profile requirements.
The Blade Cutting Process
A locksmith ensures the machine is correctly set up before cutting the blade. The process takes less than five minutes if everything is correct and works smoothly
What Does a High-security Lock Cost?
When considering a high-security lock, the costs typically range from $500 to $1500, depending on the brand and features. Pricing can vary based on supply and demand, with some brands being more expensive due to high demand. It’s important to remember that not all high-security locks are necessarily the best or most expensive. Higher protection often comes at a higher price, but that doesn’t mean all expensive locks are good. For added security, the cost of cutting a laser-cut blade usually falls between $30 and $60, with car key blades requiring additional equipment and time, which a car key specialist may charge for accordingly.
Benefits of Using a High-Security Key/Sidewinder Key
‣ hardware: Lock security depends on the metal used in its construction. Heavier, better security locks are more reliable, while locks made from hollow spaces or plastics may have their security compromised. A light lock cannot withstand high impact and is more likely to be broken. Cheap metals or plastic materials are not considered effective security measures.
‣ Drill Resistant Locks: Drilling is one of the easiest ways for criminals to gain access to your property, as it allows them to bypass the lock. Locksmiths often use this technique for entry, but once a lock is drilled, it’s nearly impossible to fix. However, high-security locks equipped with hardened steel and anti-drill plates can stop drilling, prevent damage, and protect your lock from being compromised.
‣ Bolt Strength: A high-security lock relies on solid bolts that are as strong as the rest of the lock. This prevents criminals from opening it using brute force, like with a foot, shoulder, sledgehammer, or battering drum. Only a heavy-duty bolt can withstand this kind of force, and if not, the bolt could even be cut in half with saws if they are strong enough.
Keep Your Car Secure with Sidewinder Key Cutting
To maintain your automotive security, it’s essential to get a duplicate key from a professional locksmith. At Alexius Denver’s Locksmiths, we offer expert services with a computer-controlled sidewinder key duplicator for accurate and quick results. Whether you’re in Centennial, CO, or need a high-security lock, we ensure your standard keys operate perfectly, providing top-notch security protections to keep you safe.
Need your sidewinder key cut in Calgary?
If you’re in Calgary and need to cut a new key for your car, whether it’s a proximity key, key fob, chip key, or even a transponder key, Elitedoorlocks is here to help. As an automotive locksmith, we specialize in advanced laser key machines that can program your keys correctly, especially when dealing with a transponder system. No matter the job, we are one of the leading car locksmiths and always do the job the right way—don’t wait to get your transponder key cut and programmed by the experts at Elitedoorlocks.
