Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The computer in the car examines the serial number digitally of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip inside your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.

There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but is now available on many affordable models.

Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade, 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 signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every time a key is placed. Over time the wires can begin to break. Once enough wires break, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.

This is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Today's key cut place near me fobs can do more than unlock or start cars. Many of them have 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 lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case every time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. It is always advisable to keep a Spare Car Key Cutting fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it must be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last cut your keys there are a variety of alternatives to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function when you're within a certain distance.

If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.

Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.