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Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. They are also available at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can locksmith cut car keys also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a variety of affordable cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended 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 that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific 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 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from theft however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires could start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.

This method is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They are also a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

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

Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties, will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith laser cut keys near me or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For most drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd pay at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can open your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.

There are several options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.

Some of these modern features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within a specific distance.

If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design a new key with a standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals from the key cut and won't start.