Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer checks the digital serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but is now available on many affordable models.

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

VATS keys cut

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades so that when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message 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 will start to run. This isn't a way to make a online car key cutting theft proof however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time a key is placed. Over time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They also function as used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if need to remove your key fob every time you want to take it out of the protective case.

Fortunately, a few of the latest spare car key cut insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

The decision of whether to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

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

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function when you're within a certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new mobile key cutting service using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your locks, trunk and doors.

Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.