Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny located in the key cutting places's handle which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

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

Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.

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

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key cut near me open now is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition, a 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 vehicle theft proof however it can delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time a key is introduced. Over time, the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires break, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This method is also a good way to test a new car key cut key to see whether it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

key car cutting (click here for more) fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you use it from the case.

Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

The decision to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than the price 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 carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one made from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you got your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to choose from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within the range of your car.

If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you are still able to operate your trunk, locks, and doors.

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 are a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.