Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny in the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer examines the serial number digitally of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can design car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.

Laser Cut Car Key keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutter for cars cutting machines, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, 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 in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as 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 VATS pellets and attached them to key blades 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 that 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 car secure from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time a key is placed. As time passes the wires can 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 problem 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 is not difficult at all. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.

This is a great way to test a new key and check whether it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the car. They are also used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing 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 want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.

Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to choose from when it comes to getting a car key cut another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your car making it much more difficult for cut Car key thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle.

If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or transponder, and you can still operate your locks, Cut Car Key trunk, and doors.

You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to protect their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips are not present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.