10 Simple Steps To Start Your Own Cut Car Key Business

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.

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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The computer on board reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have getting a new car key cut huge range of keys and can assist you in choosing the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required to operate the device.

You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.

Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is 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 begins to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time the nearest key cutting is inserted. Over time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great method to test a brand new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot or summon it by pressing a button. This is more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.

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

One method of protecting 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 take the key fob from a protective case each time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Some of the newer policies like auto key cutting machine club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case, you should always have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within a specific distance.

If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks, and doors.

Another option is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys cut near me now (check it out) of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those looking to safeguard their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.