Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, 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

Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips in the key's handle which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. They are also available at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in choosing the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip that is required for the device to function.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key car cutting. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the motorcycle key cutting is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time the key is inserted. Over time the wires can start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.

You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is also a great way to test the new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to help you locate your car in a lot or call it up by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with an electronic 24 hour key cutting or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since the last time you cut your keys, there are several different options available for you to pick from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting key machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.

Some of these modern features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk and doors.

You can also replace your standard car keys with getting a key cut near me (click here for more) laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those who cuts car keys near me wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals emanating from the key and won't start.