Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the 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 can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.

Another type of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. Each time a key cut service is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires may start to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.

The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a new key and see whether it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new car key cut key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart automobile key cutting near me fob. It's a steep price for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually employed 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.

To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the case.

Certain policies that are more recent such as auto car key cutting near me 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 avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision of whether to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case, 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 large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your cheap car key cutting near me and make it only work when it's within a certain range of your car.

If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key cut place near me (more resources), and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to provide extra security to their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.