Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips located in the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can help you find the best one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to use it.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most common in luxury cars, but is now available on many affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars 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 an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for cut Car Key VATS pellets and connected the key blades to them so that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent 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 secure from theft however it can delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time a key is introduced. Over time the wires could start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is also a good way to test the new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to 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

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing the button. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that is often time in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.

To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you 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 or extended warranties can pay for a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or cut car key locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose it. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, provided you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.

There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut car keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Some of these modern features that come with the modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle.

If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

Another option is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut Car key keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key and won't start.