Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car you'll require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This prevents mobile car key cutting thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is most common in luxury cars, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.

Another type of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be 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 does not make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great method to test a new key and see if it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry or summon it by pressing the button. This is a lot 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 by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that's often tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.

To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can locksmith cut car keys place it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.

The decision to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it has to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to select from when it comes to having another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these advanced features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within a certain range of your car.

If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.

Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.