Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips in the handle of your key that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can help you find the right one for your car. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required for it 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 locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now available in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.

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

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. 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 hold an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time a key is placed. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal hanging 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 opportunity to test out a new key and see whether it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They are also a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's Getting a key cut near me steep cost to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case every time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event, you should always have a spare fob or cheap key cutting in case in case you lose it. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one made from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut There are many options to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.

Some of these features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective when you're within a certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with the standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.

Another option is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are now a popular option for those looking to provide extra security to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.