Fredric Armytage

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just shaping the metal. It is a complex process that guarantees safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

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

The microchip in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it cost to get car key cut start if the key is the right one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a huge selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming 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 keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now available in a variety of affordable cars as well.

Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key cut place. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a 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 located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the special key cutting is turned in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the 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 does not make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires could start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great method to test a brand new key and see whether it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from 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 the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a case that is protected each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case, you should always have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car double sided key cutting Near me is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only work when you're within a certain distance.

If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors.

Another alternative is to get your traditional mobile car key cutting key replaced with a laser cut car keys near me cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.