Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.

The microchip in your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, and laser key cutting it then sends 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 it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip which is needed to use the device.

Laser cut van keys cut near me are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars, but is now available on many affordable models.

Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key cutting open now. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible 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 a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that, when the key was turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to 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 start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each when the key is placed. As time passes the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.

This method can also be a good method to test a new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start a car. They are also an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged 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. These are often combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.

To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

Depending on how long has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to choose from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within the distance of your car.

If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can make a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to enhance the security of their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals emanating from the key and won't start.