Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The computer onboard examines the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

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

Locksmiths who provide these services can create car keys with chips. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip, which is required to use the device.

You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now available in many affordable models of automobiles as well.

Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires can start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car key cutting service won't begin.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and see whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They are also an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob each time you use it from the case.

Some newer policies like auto key cutting club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

For most drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case you lose it. If you do 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 costs roughly 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will open your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith laser Cut Keys near me to get a new one created.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you got your keys cut There are many options to pick from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within a specific distance of your car.

If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks, and doors.

Another alternative is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to protect their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.