Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to 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 in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

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

Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can help you find the best one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is most common in luxury cars however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a 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 meant to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS automobile key cutting near me isn't an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected 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 it matches 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 does not make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time the key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides 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 automobile key cutting near me from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart mobile key cutting Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start a car. They also function as a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot or call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart vw key cut by vin near me fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you use it from the protective case.

Some newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied by 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 how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. Always keep a spare car key cut key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.

There are several options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while 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 more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within the range of your car.

If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you can still operate your locks, trunk, and doors.

Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for people who want to enhance the security of their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.