Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer onboard is able to verify the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

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

Locksmiths that offer these services can make car keys with chips. 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 car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that is only found at some locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys cut near me now as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key cutting cost is used to start the car. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those found on modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades so that, when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent to module. If it 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 doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires could begin to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

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

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your vehicle in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends much of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you need to take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the protective case.

Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key cutting price-fob cloning.

For most drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can unlock your locks and open the mobile car key cutting, as long as you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to choose from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Some of these features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within certain distance.

If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

Another alternative is to get your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are now a popular option for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.