Car Key cutting car key Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer onboard is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can make car keys with chips. They are also available at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key cut was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with 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 does not make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires could start to break. When enough wires break then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are hanging out 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 a new key and see if 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 not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They also function as an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends much of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to put it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you need to remove your key fob every time you need to take it out of the protective case.

Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case you should have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you would buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it has to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

Depending on how long has passed since you last cut your keys There are many alternatives to select from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within certain distance.

If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.