Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just shaping the metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer onboard is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This stops thieves from stealing your car keys cut and programmed since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. They are also available at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip that is required to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but is now available on many affordable models.

Another kind of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended 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 that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance.

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

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires may start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.

The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value 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 visible on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and see if it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. They are also used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking space, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that is often time in purses and pockets, where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.

To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case every time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer 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 the lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.

For most drivers who are buying an additional local key cutting fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.

There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.

Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using a standard cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.

Another alternative is to get your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't start.