Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key 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 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 vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips located in the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer onboard examines the serial number digitally of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this 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 design keys for cars with chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive key cutting retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.

You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars too.

Another type of key for Who Cuts car keys near me cars that is 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 fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time the key is placed. Over time the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.

This method is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card you can put it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you use it from the case.

Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.

The decision of whether to buy a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case, you should always have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since the last time you cut your keys, there are several different options to select from when it comes to getting another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within a specific distance.

If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who cuts car Keys near me wish to provide extra security to their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.