Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The computer onboard examines the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.

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

Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required to use the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in many affordable models of cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key cut programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.

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

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

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great method to test a brand new key and see whether it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They also function as used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.

To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

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

The decision of whether to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last had your keys cut There are many options to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut new car key near me keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these advanced features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle.

If you decide to use a conventional, standard key cutting car, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you are still able to operate your locks, trunk, and doors.

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