Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car van key cutting is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips located in the key's handle which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer onboard checks the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This prevents thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

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

Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed to operate the device.

You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost to get a key cut (stay with me) models.

Another type of car key that's 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 to one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not designed to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the 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 starts to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module could start 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 could start to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great way to test out a new key and see if it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the car. They can also be a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry or summon it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities can mean that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that is often time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.

One way to protect the key car cutting fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if must remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the case.

Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties will 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 by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key fob cut near me is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them to a smart 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 key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since the last time you had your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to pick from when it comes time to get another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only effective only when you're within certain distance.

If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate 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 introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who wish to protect their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.