Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips located in the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

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

Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.

Another type of key cutting cost for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys 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 are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those present in modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade, so that when the key car cutting is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 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 move each when the key is inserted. Over time, the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires break then 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 issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.

This is a great way to test a brand new key and determine whether it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise, the 24 hour key cutting may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for automobile keys made near me

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. They are also a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking space or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case every time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

For most drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you'd buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.

You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within certain distance.

If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder, and you can still operate your trunk, locks, and doors.

You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.