Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your mobile car key cutter, or even have them break into the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny located in the key's handle that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This stops thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle, which is required to operate the device.

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

Another kind of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a Car Key Cutting Price that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached the key's blade, so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted 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 begins to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time the key is introduced. As time passes 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.

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

This is a great opportunity to test a brand car Key cutting price new key and determine whether it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start the car. They can also be a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional features can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends a lot of its time in purses and pockets, where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision to buy a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case you should have a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you must 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 a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these advanced features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys cut for cars or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your locks, trunk and doors.

You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.