Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer examines the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This stops thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip which is needed to operate the device.

There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting (read here) machines or special software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in many affordable models of cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted 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 turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time a key is inserted. Over time the wires can start to break. When enough 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 find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great way to test out a new car key cut key and check whether it works in your car. Remove the cheapest key cutting near me from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start cars. They also function as used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.

To safeguard 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. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case every time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.

The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event, you should always have an extra fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd buy from the dealership.

Traditional keys cut near me now

Traditional car keys are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a car key cut near me a new one made.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you got your keys cut There are many options to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.

Some of these advanced features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose 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 using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.