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Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

The microchip in your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can make car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. They have a huge variety of keys, and can help you find the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on many affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant 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 the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those found on modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent to module. If it matches 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 does not make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module could begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great way to test a brand new key and check whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. They also function as a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more features than you get a car key cut near me from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities 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 will cost to get car key cut upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends much of its time snagging around in purses and pockets where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the case.

Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep a spare key cutting car or fob on hand in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car sidewinder key cutting is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.

Depending on how long has passed since the last time you had your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to pick from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within a certain distance of your car.

If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.