10 Quick Tips For Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was built in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer onboard checks the serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to begin. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.

The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting (more tips here) equipment or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars, but is now available on many affordable models.

Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on 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 buy and require a special key programming machine that can locksmith cut car keys only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires can begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.

You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and see if it works in your vehicle. Be sure to 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 work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They also function as a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. 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 allow you to call it up by pressing the button. This is more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends much of its time in purses and pockets where it can be easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals 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. However, having to take the key fob from a case that is protected each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Some of the newer policies such as auto key cutting machine club memberships and extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare key cutting fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you would pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to 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 damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you had your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.

Some of these advanced features that come with the modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within the range of your car.

If you choose to make use of a traditional auto key cutting machine, your locksmith can create a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to secure their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.