Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in finding the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip that is required for the device to function.

You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of automobiles as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to stop 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 is only located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet in the center of a VATS key is not a chip like those used in modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires can begin to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's 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 is a great opportunity to test a new key and check if it works in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.

Smart key cutter Fobs

Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that spends much of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.

One method of protecting a smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you have to take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the protective case.

Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it is lost. 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 a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them to a smart or 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 car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last cut your keys there are a variety of alternatives to pick from when it comes to having another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional double sided key cutting near me, your locksmith can create a new key with the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you are still able to operate your locks, trunk, and doors.

Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.