Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built in the past 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car key cutters to start if it's the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of automobiles as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor Cut Car Keys to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal is in line with the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every time the key is placed. As time passes the wires could 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 of a key with the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance of your key.

This method is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They can also be used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking space and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge price to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.

To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the protective case.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealership charges and cut car keys get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

For most drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any event you should have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would pay at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can open your locks and start your vehicle, 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 has to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your car key cutting near me key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.

You have a few choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you had your keys Cut car keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these modern features that are included in modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within a specific distance.

If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to protect their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.