Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips in the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

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

Locksmiths that offer these services can make car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your car key cut. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to make it work.

There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars as well.

Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and 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 with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct sidewinder key cutting is being used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to 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 starts to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every when the key is introduced. Over time, the wires may begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This method is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the car. They also function as a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry or summon it by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card you can put it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case every time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. 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.

The decision to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable places to get keys cut near me keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them for a smart motorcycle key cutting 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 cut for car near me is damaged or lost you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you had your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within the range of your car.

If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.