Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, functionality, 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 car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. They have a vast variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip that is required to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.

Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal 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 car safe from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires break the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This method is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They can also be used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking space, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price for a device that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob each time you want to take it out of the protective case.

Some of the newer policies, such as auto car key cutting near me club memberships or extended warranties will cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's 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.

For the majority of drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement car key cutting, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key cut places near me. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.

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

Some of these advanced features that come with the modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within a specific distance.

If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create an entirely new car key cut key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.

Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.