Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll require a replacement key cut.

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If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer checks the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This prevents thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to know the unique serial number.

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

Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to use it.

There are also laser cut car keys near me cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an exact 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 in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof, but it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every when the key is introduced. Over time, the wires may start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.

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

This is a great method to test out a new key and determine whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking space, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that is often time in pockets and purses, where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you must take your key car cutting fob out every time you use it from the protective case.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

For most drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

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 time to get another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.

Some of these features that come with modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with the standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk, locks, and doors.

You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder key cutting near me chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.