Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, Laser key cutting efficiency and the longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built in the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are located in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The computer onboard examines the serial number digitally of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They are also available at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.

You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost to get a key cut models.

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

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips 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 inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades so that, when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message 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 safe from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may start 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 may start to break. Once enough wires break the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and determine whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start cars. Many of them have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.

To secure a smart card, you can store it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a case that is protected each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and 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 dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare car key cutting near me key or fob in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd spend 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 made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

You have a few choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within the distance of your car.

If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk, locks, and doors.

You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to secure their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.