Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

cheap car key cutting near me keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They are also available at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip, which is required for the device to function.

laser car key cutting service near me cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on many affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as 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 that is black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is sent 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires can start to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the cheap car key cutting.

The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

This method is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key cut place (look what i found). The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.

There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only effective when you're within a certain distance.

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

Another alternative is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their vehicles. 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 receive the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.