Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required 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 they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary motorcycle key cutting with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin 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 usage, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and over time the wires could start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This method can also be a good method to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your car in getting a new car key cut parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where it can locksmith cut car keys be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card, you can store it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.

For the majority of drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.

There are a variety of options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within a specific range of your car.

If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the mobile key cutting near me fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.