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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can help you find the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that 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 due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent 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 vehicle theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time the key is placed. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car will not begin.

The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great method to test a new key and see whether it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, cut car key and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high price for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you must take your key fob out every time you want to take it out of the protective case.

Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob in case you misplace 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. We also offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith 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 several different options available for you to choose from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within a specific distance.

If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your standard car keys cut and programmed keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who want to safeguard their vehicles. Typically, laser cut car key keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.