Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.

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

Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your vehicle. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.

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

Another kind of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected the key's blade to ensure 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 one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every when the key is inserted. Over time the wires can begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

This method is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key cutting for cars from the ignition prior to 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 are more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They are also a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to call it up by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

One way to protect a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.

For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any event you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, nearby assuming you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to pick from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Some of these modern features that come with the modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within certain distance.

If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.

You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.