Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, laser key cutting functionality and the longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached the key's blade, so that when the key is turned in 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 isn't a way to make a car secure from theft however it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires could begin to break. When enough wires break then the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. 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 whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the car. They can also be an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your car in a parking space or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a product that is often jostled in pockets and Laser key cutting purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you must take your key fob out every time you use it from the protective case.

Fortunately, some of the 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 a lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision of whether to buy a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd spend at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you cut your keys there are a variety of alternatives to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within a specific distance.

If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.