Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny in the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to 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 only begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for Laser key cutting cars with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in choosing the right one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed to use the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is most common in luxury cars, but is now available on many affordable models.

Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time a key is introduced. As time passes the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great method to test a brand new key and see if it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking space, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional features can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if must remove your key fob every time you want to use it from the protective case.

Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and laser key Cutting extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost to get car key cut of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.

For most drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd pay at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.

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

Some of these features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another 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 make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of 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 can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.