Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You'll need a replacement car key cutting service near me key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.

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 key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a cheap car key cutting near me that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block 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 is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to 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 begin to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time the key is introduced. Over time the wires can begin to break. When enough wires break the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.

This is also a great way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start cars. They can also be a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking space and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace a single 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, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the case.

Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties can pay for a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

For the majority of drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare car key cut key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by the remote spare key cutting or smart key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut There are many options available for you to pick from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to open 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 communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to provide extra security to their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.