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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping the metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, 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 an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny located in the key's handle that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car checks the serial number digitally of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip inside your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a vast range of keys and will help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. Get More come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles 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 a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.





GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached the key blades to them so that when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every when the key is placed. As time passes the wires can start to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can find 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 a new key and determine whether it works in your car. 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 function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

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 unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay 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 humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the case.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

For most drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.

Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within a specific distance.

If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks 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 have become an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.