Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming the metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off 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 installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of 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 like AutoZone. These stores have a large range of keys and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. 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 an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key cutting locksmith near me. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM employed 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 message 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires can start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken, the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

This can also be a good method to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your car. 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 may not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

motorcycle key cutting fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They are also a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends much of its time in purses and pockets where it can be easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if must remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the protective case.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event, you should always have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different options to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key is used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within certain distance.

If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design the new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These getting keys cut were first introduced in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key cutting places, and will not start.