Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The computer onboard checks the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.

laser key cutting cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.

Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys and cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal matches 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 burglar-proof, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each when the key is introduced. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and check if it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new automobile key cutting near me could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart honda pilot key cutting fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that's often tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you need to take your key fob out every time you use it from the protective case.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.

For most drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose 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. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one made from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to choose from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been 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. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

Another option is to have your standard car van key cutting replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for people who want to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't start.