Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips in the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

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

Locksmiths who offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required to use the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and vehicles 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 with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached the key blades to them so that when the key is turned on, the double sided key cutting near me blades transmit a coded message 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 doesn't make a car safe from theft however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each when the key is inserted. Over time the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. 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 gauge on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance of your key.

This is a great way to test a new key and determine whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. They also function as an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge price for a product that is often jostled in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats 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 from another transmitter close to.

One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if need to take your key fob out every time you use it from the case.

Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case, you should always have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and start the car, provided you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.

There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within certain distance.

If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors.

You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.