Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The computer onboard is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can design car keys with chips. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to having 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 more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars as well.

Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as present 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 the VATS pellets and connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted 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 starts to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time a key is placed. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car key cutting near me prices.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is a great method to test out a new key and check whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is 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 by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.

To secure a smart card you can put it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case every time you need to 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 such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision to buy a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case you should have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different alternatives to select from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.

Some of these advanced features that come with modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the mobile key cutting to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the distance of your vehicle.

If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.

You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.