Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. They are also available at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key 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 secure from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least 15 to 20 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 each time the key is inserted. Over time the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.

You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your vw key cut by vin near me.

This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and see if it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality can mean that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a product that is often tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as 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.

One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob each time you use it from the case.

Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose it. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, laser key cutting our fast and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your spare car key cut, provided you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to choose from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.

Some of these features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within the range of your car.

If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

Another alternative is to get keys cut your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are now a popular option for people who want to add extra protection to their vehicles. laser car key cutting near me cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.