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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting car is more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car key cutting cost. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required for the device to function.

There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the key blade 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 costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to 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 secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.

This method can also be a good method to test the new key to determine whether it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking space, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.

To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the case.

Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

For the majority of drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car keys cut and programmed's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event you should have a spare key cutting fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would spend at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it has to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.

There are several options to select 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 security features that are enhanced.

Some of these modern features that come with modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk, locks and doors.

You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.