Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than just forming the metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips in the handle of your key that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer onboard examines the serial number of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip in your car key cutting price transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can help you find the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at 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 resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time a key is inserted. Over time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the spare car key cut.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself 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's not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.

This method is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your car in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.

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

Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships or extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare car key cutting fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement car key cutting fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, provided you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key cutting places. The only drawback to 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 lost or broken you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Some of these features that come with modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within certain distance.

If you opt 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 less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.