Fredric Armytage

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece 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 keys or have them break in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The onboard computer checks the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car key cutting price's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. They are also available at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat automobile keys made near me. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in many affordable models of automobiles as well.

Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected the key blades to them so that when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time the key is introduced. As time passes, the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken, the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.

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

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the car. They often 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 summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more features than you get a car key cut near me from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a case that is protected each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since you last got your keys cut There are many options available for you to select from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.

If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to provide extra security to their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.