Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car key cut and program near me or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal is in line with 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 theft proof however it can delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires could begin to break. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs 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 vehicle. 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 vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the car. They are also a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and nearby emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot or call it up by pressing a button. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need 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 huge price to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event you should have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made 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 a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.

There are several options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.

Some of these advanced features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the distance of your car.

If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you can still operate your locks, trunk, and doors.

Another alternative is to get your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.