Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.

Another kind of car key blade cutting key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS pellet in the center 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 employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to module. If the signal is in line with 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 however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may start 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 can start to break. Once enough wires are broken then the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.

This is a great method to test out a new key and determine if it works in your vehicle. Remove the key cutting car from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the car. They also function as a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry or summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge price for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.

To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob each time you want to take it out of the protective case.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost to get car key cut of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than what you would buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut There are many alternatives to select from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.

Some of these features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within the distance of your vehicle.

If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design a new key with a standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors.

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 who wish to safeguard their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.