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Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can make car keys with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle, which is required for the device to function.

You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.

Another kind of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They 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 intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days 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 utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades so that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to module. If it 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 burglar-proof, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires can begin 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 problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This is also a good way to test a new key to see if it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. They are also an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high 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 moisture. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to store it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the mobile key cutting near me fob from a protective case each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is dependent 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 car key cutting fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

You have getting a new car key cut few options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser key cutting-cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within the distance of your car.

If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder, and you can still operate your locks, trunk and doors.

Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to secure their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.