Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to know the unique serial number.

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

Locksmiths that offer these services can design car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip which is needed to use the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.

Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that 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.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires can begin to break. Once enough wires break, the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This method is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the car. They are also used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and Car Key Cut unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry or activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, Car key Cut all that added functionality also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.

To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. 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.

For most drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car key cut (Get Source)'s keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. 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 most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.

You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.

Some of these features that come with the modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within certain distance.

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

You can also replace your standard keys to your car key cutter with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.