Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car key cutting and programming near me was manufactured within the past 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These chips are small microchips inside the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can design car keys with chips. They are also available at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip, which is required to use the device.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars too.

Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor in the cheap key cutting blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys and cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned in 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 will start to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each when the key is introduced. Over time the wires could begin to break. When enough wires are broken, 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 fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

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

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge cost to get car key cut to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will pay for replacing the 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 store that offers key-fob-cloning.

The decision of whether to buy a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one made from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut There are many options available for you to pick from when it comes to getting another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.

Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only effective when you're within a certain distance.

If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key 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 operate your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to get your traditional car key substituted 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 those looking to enhance the security of their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.