Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this 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 made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide range of getting keys cut and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle that is required for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.

Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that 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 transponder keys and cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades so that when the key is turned on, a coded message is sent to module. If the signal matches the signal 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 isn't a way to make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each when the key is introduced. Over time the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is a great way to test a new key and see whether it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start cars. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot or summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum 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 developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case every time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost to get a key cut of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For most drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will open your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different options available for you to choose from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these advanced features that are included in modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within a specific distance.

If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create the new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their vehicles. laser key cutting near me cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work 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.