Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping the metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

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

Locksmiths who offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars as well.

Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the 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 used on the majority of modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades so that when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent 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 be activated and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires can start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.

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 the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

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

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the car. They can also be an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them having 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 activate it by pressing a button. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart mobile key cutting fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that's often jostled in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

The decision to buy a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and start the car, assuming you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to choose from when it comes to having another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your car, keys cut and programmed near me making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a certain distance of your car.

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

You could also replace your traditional keys cut and programmed Near me to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want places to get keys cut near me safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car, keys cut and programmed Near me it won't respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.