Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key cutting service key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny located in the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.

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

Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in choosing the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles, but is now available on many affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal is in line with 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 safe from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires can start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.

This method is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing the button. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends much of its time in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.

One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you need to remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the case.

Some newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how important your spare car key cutting's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, provided you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it must be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car key cutting service near me. If your car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle.

If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.