Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a vast variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.

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 prevent the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.

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

After a lot of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires can begin to break. When enough wires break then the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This method is also a great way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the car. They can also be used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination 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 you can put it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

The decision to purchase a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case, you should always have a spare key cutting key or fob handy just in case you lose it. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.

Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you cut your keys There are many alternatives to choose from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the nearest key cutting and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within certain distance.

If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design the new key using a standard cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.

You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who want to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, Laser key cutting they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.