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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.

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

Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can help you find the best one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.

There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time the key is placed. Over time the wires could begin to break. When enough wires are broken, the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of getting a new car key cut key with a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and see if it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new car key cut key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or call it up by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends much of its time snagging around in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.

One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you must take your key fob out every time you want to take it out of the protective case.

Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case you should have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd buy from a 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 made to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since you last cut your keys there are a variety of options to select from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern getting keys cut come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only effective when you're within a certain distance.

If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to protect their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.