Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are small microchips located in the key's handle which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can help you find the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip that is required to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive Laser Key Cutting, Mariskamast.Net, machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars too.

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

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires could begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.

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

This method is also a good way to test the new key to determine if it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They are also used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.

One way to protect a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove 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 of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key cut for car near me is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different options to pick from when it comes to getting another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within the distance of your vehicle.

If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could create a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.

You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for people who want to add extra protection to their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.