Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built in the past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The computer onboard examines the serial number of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required to use the device.

You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and Laser key cutting are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in many affordable models of cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each when the key is inserted. Over time the wires could start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.

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 that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.

This is a great way to test a brand new key and determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the car. They can also be a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your car in a parking lot or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also have 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 laser key cutting a device that spends a lot of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.

One way to protect a smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you have to take your key cut place fob out every time you want to take it out of the protective case.

Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for an additional fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers van key cutting fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.

There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within certain distance.

If you decide to utilize a traditional cheap key cutting your locksmith can make an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.

You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.