Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the instructions 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 right one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. They are also available at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, laser key cutting and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars as well.

Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something 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 VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that, when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft however it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires can start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is also a good way to test a new key cut places near me to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They can also be used as a security device and theft deterrent, Laser key cutting with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like 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 a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case every time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Some newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.

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

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and start the car, provided you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.

There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

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

If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for people who want to provide extra security to their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.