Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This stops thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car keys cut and programmed's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip, which is required to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.

Another kind of car key that is difficult 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 fifteen possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.

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

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires could begin to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you need 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, and then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance of your key.

This is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge price for a device that is often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Some of the newer policies, such as auto car key cutting near me club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned at 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 how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are getting a new car key cut single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of options to select from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Some of these advanced features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you will still be able to use your locks, trunk and doors.

Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for people who want to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key and won't start.