Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are small microchips located in the key's handle that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

The microchip in your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They are also available at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip which is needed for the device to function.

You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive Laser Key Cutting - Itsroom.Co.Kr, equipment or special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.

Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at some locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to verify that the correct 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 like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.

GM used 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 the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will activate 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 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module could begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires can begin to break. When enough wires break the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value 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. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start a car. They are also an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features can mean that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends much of its time snagging around in pockets and Laser key cutting purses, where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you have to remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the case.

Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd pay at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.

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

Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to secure their automobiles. The majority of laser cut new car key near me keys contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't receive the signals emanating from the key and won't start.