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 long-term use of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are in the handle of the Key fob cut Near me and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The computer in the car checks the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required for the device to function.

There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in many affordable models of automobiles as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key cutting places was turned on, a coded message 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 isn't a way to make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each when the key is placed. Over time, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and determine whether it will work in your vehicle. 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

Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start a car. They often have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot or call it up by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you obtain 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 the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price for a device that's 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 common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Some of the newer policies like auto key cutting machine club memberships or extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it is 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 services.

For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car keys cut by code 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 will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.

Depending on how long has passed since the last time you cut your keys There are many alternatives to select from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Some of these modern features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within the range of your car.

If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to have 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 people who want to enhance the security of their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.