Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

transponder key cutting near me chips are likely to be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car checks the digital serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This prevents thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

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

Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required for the device to function.

There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is most common in luxury cars, but is now available on many affordable models.

Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called 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 VATS pellet black in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades so that when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to 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 vehicle safe from theft however it can delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires may begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.

The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a new key and see whether it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking lot or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends much of its time in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key cut for car near me fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.

One method of protecting a smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a case that is protected each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car nearest key cutting is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.

There are several options to select from based on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within the distance of your vehicle.

If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith key cutting can make an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.