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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just forming the metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You will need a replacement cheap car key cutting key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer on board reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car key cutting and programming will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a huge variety of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to use it.

You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car key cutting lowes from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

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

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every when the key is placed. Over time the wires can start to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.

This is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier 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. It's a high cost to pay for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare key cutting key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you would spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to choose from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.

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 device. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within certain distance.

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

Another option is to have the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and they're 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 the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.