Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can make car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a huge selection of keys, and Laser key cutting can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required to operate the device.

You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars however, it 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 contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the 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 will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft however it will delay the theft by at most 15 places to get keys cut near me 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each when the key is placed. Over time the wires can begin to break. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

This is also a great way to test the new key to determine if it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that spends much of its time in pockets and purses, Laser key cutting which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you need to take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the protective case.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto key cutting club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case, you should always have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these modern features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.

Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those looking to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key and won't start.