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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just shaping the metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car getting keys cut with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.

Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition, a 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 starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time a key is inserted. Over time, the wires may start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.

You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

This is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key cut service fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

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

Some newer policies, such as auto key cutting near me club memberships and extended warranties will pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. Always keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.

You have a few options to select from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.

Some of these advanced features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within the distance of your car.

If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk and doors.

You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.