Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some auto car key cutting near me dealers like AutoZone sell them. They have a huge range of keys and can help you find the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle, which is required for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the blade of the key, so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Every 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. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key car cutting, but it is not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is also a great way to test the new key cutting locksmith near me to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition 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 for Keys

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that spends much of its time in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card 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 ease of use of this technology is compromised if have to remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the protective case.

Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only downside of using a traditional 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 it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different options to choose from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Some of these features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to secure 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, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.