Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than just shaping the metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can make car keys with chips. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to 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 a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.

Another kind 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 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.

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 in 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 the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time a key is introduced. As time passes, the wires may 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 by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. They can also be used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking space and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep price for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you have to remove your key cutting open now fob every time you want to use it from the protective case.

Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it is 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.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it must be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys There are many options available for you to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a specific distance of your car.

If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key cut place, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to get your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to protect their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.