Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer checks the digital serial number of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.

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

Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. They are also available at certain automotive key cutting stores like AutoZone. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to use it.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key car cutting blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not designed to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine 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 ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key cutting services with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is a great method to test a brand new key and see if 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 value and may not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot or summon it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends much of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case every time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut new car key near me at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

For most drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case you should have a spare fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.

There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys cut near me now (such a good point) come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure 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 another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using a standard cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are now a popular option for those looking to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't start.