Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer onboard examines the serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars as well.

Another kind of key for cars that is difficult 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 with one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted 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 safe from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires may start to break. When enough wires are broken, 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 key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are 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 method to test a brand new key and determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. They also function as used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help find your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price for a device that's frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card to protect it, you can locksmith cut car keys place it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a case that is protected each time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto key cutting near me club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a 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.

For most drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you'd pay at the 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 designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, provided you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.

Modern get keys cut come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a certain range of your car.

If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design the new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.