Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The computer onboard is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.

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

Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed to use the device.

You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting car keys near me equipment or special software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of motorcycle key cutting that is difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to module. If the signal 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 doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires can start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

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

This method can also be a good method to test a new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. 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 not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart Motorcycle key cutting fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that spends much of its time snagging around in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card 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. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob each time you want to take it out of the protective case.

Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. 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 has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.

There are several options to select from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific range of your car.

If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.

Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.