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Car Key cutting car key Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, 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. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips inside the handle of your key that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer examines the serial number of the chip before it allows the car to start. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car keys cut because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required to use the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically 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's difficult to duplicate. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the blade of the key, so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time the key is placed. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult 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 prongs made of metal 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 method can also be a good method to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and nearby pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if need to take your key fob out every time you take it out of the protective case.

Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can 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 the traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.

There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these advanced features that come with modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within the distance of your vehicle.

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

Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to provide extra security to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.