Its History Of Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can help you find the appropriate one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting (check) machines or with specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car key cut, GM used something 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 used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached the key's blade, so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted 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 however it could delay a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and with 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 solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great method to test a new key and check whether it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your spare car key cutting.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start a car. They are also used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you find your vehicle in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price for a device that is often jostled in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of 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.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

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

For most drivers who cuts car keys near me want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event, you should always have an extra key cut or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would spend at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get keys cut an alternative one made from the blank.

There are several options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with 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 can 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, trunk locks, and doors.

You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking 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 the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key, and will not start.