Car Key Cutting Explained

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

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it’s likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are small microchips inside the key’s handle that send a signal to the vehicle’s onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it’s the right one. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.

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

Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to use it.

You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. next page is most common in high-end cars however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another kind of car key that’s hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that it’s not meant to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm 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 a chip like those present in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key’s blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted 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 begins to run. This doesn’t make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time the key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won’t start.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It’s not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a new key and check whether it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They also function as an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle’s settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. cut car key near me will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car’s keyless start and entry functions. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than what you’d buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you haven’t exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage 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 is damaged or lost you’ll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it’s been since you’ve cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.

Some of these advanced features that come with modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you’re within certain distance.

If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you’ll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

Another option is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to protect their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.