Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The cheap car key cutting near me will only begin when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can help you find the right one for your car. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.

laser key cutting near me cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.

Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something 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 VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition, a 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 turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from theft however it can delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each when the key is inserted. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires break the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard 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.

This is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry or call it up by pressing the button. This is more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge price to pay for a product that is often jostled in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if must remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the protective case.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto key cutting near me club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

For most 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. It is always advisable to keep a spare car key cut fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have 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 made.

There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these advanced features that come with modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a specific range of your car.

If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design the new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

Another alternative is to get car key cut the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.