Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the 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.

Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible 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 device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days 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 standard key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned in the ignition a 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 will start to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires could start to break. Once enough wires break the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.

This is a great way to test out a new key and determine if it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can locksmith cut car keys remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your car in a parking lot and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting the key cut places near me fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you need to remove your key fob every time you use it from the case.

Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event you should have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different options to choose from when it comes to getting another copy made. Some keys use 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 features that come with 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 making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can locksmith cut car keys only function only when you're within certain distance.

If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.