Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The computer onboard checks the serial number digitally of the chip prior to allowing the car key cut to begin. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can make car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades so that when the key cutting services was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every time the key is introduced. As time passes the wires can begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.

You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great method to test a brand new key and check whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, Laser key cutting the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that is often time in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.

To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if need to take your key fob out every time you need to take it out of the protective case.

Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties, will cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you got your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to select from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these advanced features that come with the modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within the distance of your vehicle.

If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk, locks and doors.

You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.