Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the right one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.

You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is most common in high-end cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.

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

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct spare key cutting is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way 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 one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof however it can delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and see whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start cars. They are also used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep price for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key cutting locksmith near me (read this blog article from Telearchaeology) fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To protect 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 its protective case every 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 as well as extended warranties can pay for a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.

The decision to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car key cutting service's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.

There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these advanced features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct automobile key cutting near me can be used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within the distance of your vehicle.

If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith laser cut keys near me is able to create a new key using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to enhance the security of their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.