15 Things You Didn t Know About Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer onboard checks the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

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

Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip that is required to operate the device.

There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting (go to Demilked) machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance.

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 on in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each when the key is inserted. Over time the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This method is also a great 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. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They are also used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you have to take your key fob out every time you need to take it out of the protective case.

Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote motorcycle key cutting near me. The only downside of using the traditional 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 have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one made from the blank.

There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these modern features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the getting keys cut to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a certain distance of your car.

If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks 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 late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.