Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips in the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.

You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary spare key cutting that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a new key and determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for keys cut in my area

Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for something that is often time in pockets and purses, where it can be easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.

One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to store it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case each time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.

The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the 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 made to fit specific locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different options to select from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only work when you're within a certain distance.

If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.