Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting car key is more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can make car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost to get car key cut models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade so that when the key cut place near me is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every time a key is placed. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on 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 also a great way to test a new key to see whether it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot or activate it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities can mean that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto key cutting club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you need to 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 get a new one made.

Depending on how long has passed since the last time you got your keys cut, there are several different options to select from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Some of these modern features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective when you're within a certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design the new key using a standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key cut near me open now, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.