Car Key Cutting Explained

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

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The computer onboard checks the serial number digitally of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip that is required to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent the car keys cut by code from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, 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 being used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned on, a coded message 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 begins to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it can delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each when the key is placed. Over time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.

You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.

This is also a great way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your vehicle in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that is often time in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via 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 prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency 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 replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event, you should always have a spare fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since the last time you had your keys cut There are many options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.

Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key fob cut near me is used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective when you're within a certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional standard key cut place near me, a locksmith is able to make a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.

You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who wish to protect their vehicles. 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 be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.