Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These chips are small microchips in the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer checks the serial number digitally of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.

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

Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can also help you program the chip to 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 because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.

Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) automobile key cutting near me. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that when the Motorcycle Key cutting is turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it can delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires may begin to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and see if it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They are also used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry or activate it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.

One method of protecting a smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you have to remove your van key cutting fob each time you need to use it from the protective case.

Some newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.

The decision to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than what 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 made to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it must be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut There are many options available for you to pick from when it comes to having another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Some of these features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key cutting business and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within certain distance.

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

Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals coming from the key, and will not start.