Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. To ensure you’re able to always drive your car you’ll require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle’s onboard computer when you are using it. The computer onboard checks the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded 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 right one. This will stop “hot wiring” or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car’s chip that is required to operate the device.

You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting (reali.esport.ge explains) machines or specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on many affordable models.

Another type of car key that’s hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent the car from starting 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 or cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key’s blade, so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn’t make a car burglar-proof however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time the key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won’t start.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You’ll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it’s not that difficult. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal hanging out 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 see if it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They are also a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features 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 will cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It’s a high cost to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle’s settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.

To secure a smart card you can put it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how important your car’s keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you haven’t changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken you’ll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

There are a variety of options to choose from depending on how long it’s been since you’ve cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you’re within certain distance.

If you opt to use getting a new car key cut traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.

You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These getting keys cut were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren’t present in your vehicle, it won’t respond to the signals from the key and won’t start.