Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just forming an object of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built in the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car checks the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle that is required for the device to function.

You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that 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 car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those found on modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof however it can delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires could begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. You can determine 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 ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep price for a device that is often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.

One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to store it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.

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

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can open your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key cutting locksmith near me is damaged or lost, you will need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a car key cut near me a new one made.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting car key machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.

If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.

Another option is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't receive the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.