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Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer onboard checks the digital serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits a code to the car key blade cutting's onboard computer. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. They are also available at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades so that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft however it can delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and check if it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a product that is often jostled in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a case that is protected each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Some newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of an additional fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith laser cut keys near me store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

For the majority of drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any event, you should always have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned 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 get a new one created.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.

Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key cutting locksmith near me and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within certain distance.

If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to protect their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.