Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip inside the key cutting business sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended 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 as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be sent 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires could start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with 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 method is also a great way to test a new key to see if it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect 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 by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case every time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto key cutting club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new-auto car key cutting near me dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event, you should always have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, provided you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

There are several options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective when you're within a certain distance.

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

You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.