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Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips in the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can design car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. They have a vast variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the advent 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 a key with an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted 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 turn on and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time a key is inserted. As time passes the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.

The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great way to test a new key and determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the car keys cut by code. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep price for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.

One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto car key cutting near me club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers local key cutting-fob cloning services.

The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would pay at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.

You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these features that come with modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to start your spare car key cutting, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle.

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

You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for people who want to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't receive the signals coming from the key, and will not start.