Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and Laser Key Cutting the longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the handle of your key that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed to use the device.

There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars too.

Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.

After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires could start to break. Once enough wires break, 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 solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out 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 metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and determine whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends much of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically utilized 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 secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you must take your key fob out every time you take it out of the protective case.

Some newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case, you should always have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.

Some of these features that are included in modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within certain distance.

If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to get your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for people who want to provide extra security to their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.