Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping the metal. It is a complex process that guarantees safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer onboard checks the serial number of the chip before it allows the car to start. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the 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 when the key is the right one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. These stores have a large range of keys and can assist you in choosing the right one for your car. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to use it.

You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting (sneak a peek at this website) machines or specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars too.

Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached the key blades to them so that when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires may start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.

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

This is also a good way to test a new car key cut key to see if it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking lot or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional features can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for something that is often time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you must take your key fob out every time you need to take it out of the protective case.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. Always keep an extra key or fob in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you'd pay at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

There are several options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your cheap car key cutting and make it only function when it's within a certain range of your car.

If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design the new key using a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or transponder, and you can still operate your locks, trunk and doors.

You can also replace your traditional 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 a popular choice for those looking to safeguard their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.