Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off 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 constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer examines the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for laser key cutting cars with chips. Some car key cutting and programming near me dealers, like AutoZone sell them. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.

There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting; Learn Additional, machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind 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 any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades so that, when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every when the key is introduced. As time passes the wires can start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and check if it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start a car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot or activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One way to protect the smart key cut place near me fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

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

The decision to purchase 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 key or fob handy just in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.

Some of these modern features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within the distance of your vehicle.

If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper 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 the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to safeguard their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals from the emergency key cutting and won't start.