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Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The computer onboard checks the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.

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

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys and cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches 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 doesn't make a car theft proof however it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time the key is placed. 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 code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This is also a great way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart keys cut

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and 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 summon it by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.

One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you need to remove your key cutting cost fob each time you take it out of the protective case.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as 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 dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.

For most drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd spend at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key cutting business is that it has to be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

You have a few options to select from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these modern features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk and doors.

You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to secure their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't start.