Car Key Cutting Explained

cutting key keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer onboard is able to verify the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars too.

Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys as well as 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 key with an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the cheap key cutting so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in getting a key cut near me VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every when the key is placed. Over time the wires can start to break. Once enough of the wires break then 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 yourself 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's 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 hanging out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key.

This is a great way to test out a new key and see whether it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. They can also be an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often 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 store it in a metal case or put it in 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 mobile key cutting fob each time you use it from the case.

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

For most drivers who are buying an extra mobile key cutting fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra fob or motorcycle key cutting in case in case you lose it. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would spend at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you had your keys cut There are many options to pick from when it comes to having another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within the range of your car.

If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design the new key using a standard cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those looking to secure their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.