The Hidden Secrets Of Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. 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 automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.

You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The 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 vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message 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 begin to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time a key is placed. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This is also a great way to test a 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 value and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many 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 and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities can mean that smart local key cutting fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it is easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you must take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the protective case.

Certain policies that are more recent like auto key cutting machine club memberships and extended warranties, will cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case, you should always have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key cutting service near me key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.

Depending on how long has passed since the last time you got your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to pick from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting key machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys designed with enhanced 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 more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.

If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.