Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car key blade cutting will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle that is required for the device to function.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is most common in high-end cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor 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 it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

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 uses a key with an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.

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

After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time the key is placed. As time passes the wires could begin to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.

This can also be a good method to test a new key to determine whether it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that spends much of its time in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Some newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.

The decision to purchase a new fob is dependent on the importance of your mobile car key cutting's keyless entry and start functions. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare car key cut key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.

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

Some of these advanced features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a certain distance of your car.

If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for people who want to add extra protection to their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key and won't start.