Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer onboard examines the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.

There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most common in luxury cars, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.

Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at some locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not a chip like those present in modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key cut Places near me blades in a way that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.

You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.

This is a great way to test a new key and determine if it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, key cut places near me all that added functionality also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time in pockets and purses, where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob each time you need to take it out of the protective case.

Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

For most drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, provided you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.

There are several options to select from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut and programmed near me cut. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.

Some of these modern features that come with the modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific distance of your car.

If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks, and doors.

Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.