Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny in the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your spare car key cut key sends an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.

You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting; weblink, machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars as well.

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

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was 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's simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the 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 begins to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires can start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.

You can solve this issue 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's not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key cutting cost, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is also a good way to test the new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. 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 vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount 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. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you need to 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 insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision of whether to buy 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 lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement car key cutting fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than what you would spend at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get keys cut a new one cut from the blank.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've were able to cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the distance of your car.

If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available 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 locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who want to protect their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.