Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You will need a replacement car key cut to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith key cutting who offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip that is required for the device to function.

You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not designed to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned on, a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it can delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires could begin 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 yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key cutting open now.

This is a great way to test a new key and check whether it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work 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 security measure against theft, with many of them featuring 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 car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.

One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob each time you use it from the case.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

For the majority of drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra automobile key cutting near me or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key 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 the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart spare key cutting or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it must be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to select from when it comes to getting another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these modern features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a specific distance of your car.

If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new key using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks 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 early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.