Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key 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 mobile car key cutting near me to start if it's the right one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can help you find the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle that is required for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time a key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken then the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.

This is a great method to test a brand new key and see if it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a product that is often tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you need to take your key fob out every time you use it from the case.

Fortunately, a few of the latest mobile car key cutting near me insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new-car key cut dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which 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 start functions are. In any case you should have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you would pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will open your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut (Click To See More) there are a variety of alternatives to pick from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific distance of your car.

If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new one with a standard key cutting car machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

You could 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 a popular option for those looking to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder key cutting near me chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.