Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not unusual to lose your car emergency key cutting or have it break off in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car checks the serial number digitally of the chip prior to allowing the mobile car key cutting to begin. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car key cutting service will only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed for the device to function.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars as well.

Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key cutting services near me was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is 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 starts to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires can start to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS nearest key cutting. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. 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 new key and check whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time in pockets and purses, where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case every time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships or extended warranties can cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision of whether to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob in case you misplace yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

Depending on how long has passed since the last time you got your keys cut, there are several different options to choose from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.

Some of these features that come with the modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within a specific distance.

If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.

Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.