Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip inside your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a large range of keys and can help you find the right one for your car. 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 feature the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser car key cutting near me key cutting machines or special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys have a resistor that is 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 designed to. These keys cutting near me are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires can start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto 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 way to test out a new key and check whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or 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 allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you get from a standard 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. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if must take your key fob out every time you need to take it out of the protective case.

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

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

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. They can open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback of using a traditional automobile key Cutting near me is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.

You have a few options to select from based on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle.

If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design the new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who cuts car keys near me want to safeguard their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.