Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips in the key's handle which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer examines the serial number digitally of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to use it.

You can also purchase laser cut automobile keys made near me, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting price cutting machines, or with specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of automobiles as well.

Another type of car key cut place that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key cut place near me that has an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the blade of the key, so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each when the key is introduced. As time passes the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.

This is a great way to test out a new key and determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking space and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers 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 it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

There are several options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these advanced features that are included in modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only work when you're within a certain distance.

If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutter 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.

Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your spare car key cut it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.