Stephen Allingham

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some auto car key cutting near me dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to make it work.

You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. 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 being used in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These automobile keys made near me have a black 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 intended to. They are expensive and require a key car cutting programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that, when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to module. If it matches 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 secure from theft however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time the key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.

This method is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether 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 could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart automotive key cutting fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card you can put it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision of whether to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by an electronic automotive key cutting near me or a remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these advanced features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is 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, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within the distance of your car.

If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals from the local key cutting, and will not start.