Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your car key cuts. They can help you program your car's chip that is required to use the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but is now available on many affordable models.

Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof however it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires can start to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.

The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for something that is often time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you use it from the protective case.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For most drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event you should have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would spend at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and begin your vehicle, cut car keys provided that you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you had your keys Cut car Keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.

Some of these modern features that come with modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within certain distance.

If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you can still operate your locks, trunk and doors.

Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those looking to secure their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.