Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will 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 microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers 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 car thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

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

Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.

You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those 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 connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof however it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each when the key is placed. As time passes the wires could start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

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

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start cars. They can also be an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or call it up by pressing the button. This is more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some dealers cost to get car key cut upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a product that is often jostled in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a case that is protected each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Some newer policies, such as auto key cutting club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would pay at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will open your locks and start 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 must be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.

There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate van keys cut near me or open locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective when you're within a certain distance.

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

Another option is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't start.