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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them 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 manufactured in the past 20 years, nearby it's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer examines the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

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

Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. They are also available at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed to use the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.

Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys cut for cars are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days 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 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 in black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to the 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every when the key is inserted. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires break the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the car. They can also be a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high price for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where to get car key cut it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to store it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for nearby the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

The decision of whether 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 in case 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 a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, provided you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these features that come with modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only work when you're within a certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could create a new key with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.