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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming the metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car theft 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 the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive key cutting near me retailers such as AutoZone offer them. They have a huge selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars as well.

Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to confirm that the right key cutting open now was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message 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 safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every when the key is placed. Over time the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken then the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.

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

This can also be a good method to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start cars. They are also an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking space or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.

One method to safeguard a smart key cutting places fob is to store it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob every time you want to use it from the protective case.

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

For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from 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 unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to select from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Some of these features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. 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. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys cutting near me are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.