Car Key Cutting Explained

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

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip 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 more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is most common in luxury cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.

Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a car key cutting near me that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal 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 does not make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time a key is introduced. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the local key cutting. Then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and see whether it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They are also a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you'd think of from getting a new car key cut standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.

To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Some newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers automotive key cutting near me-fob-cloning.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. 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 opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder nearest key cutting, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to protect their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.