Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The computer onboard is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.

The microchip in your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores have a wide range of keys and will help you get car key cut the right one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle that is required to operate the device.

You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.

Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not designed 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 cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every when the Key cut Service is placed. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken, the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. 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 way to test out a new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking space or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends much of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of getting a new car key cut fake signal another transmitter near.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.

For most drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would spend at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these features that come with modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one using a standard key cutting locksmith near me cutter machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or transponder, and you are still able to operate your locks, trunk, and doors.

You can also replace your traditional keys to your car 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 people who want to provide extra security to their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.