Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping the metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.

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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car key blade cutting to start if it is the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.

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

Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting car equipment, or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.

Another type 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 key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached the key blades to them so that when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If it 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 however it can locksmith cut car keys delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires could start to break. Once enough wires break then the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great way to test a brand new key and determine whether it works in your car. Be sure to remove the special key cutting from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start cars. They are also an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot or call it up by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case every time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.

The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since the last time you got your keys cut, there are several different options to pick from when it comes to getting another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective when you're within a certain distance.

If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.