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Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key which transmit signals to the spare car key cutting's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside 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 only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip that is required for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in many affordable models of cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. 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 that's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to 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 in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is 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 does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. Each time a key cutting car is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and over time the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.

The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with 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 can also be a good method to test a new automotive key cutting to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They also function as used as a security device and theft deterrent, 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, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if have to remove your key fob every time you use it from the protective case.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. 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, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional spare car key cut keys are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage 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 key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys come with 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 an additional anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function when you're within a certain distance.

If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.