Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely places to get keys cut near me be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car theft 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 the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can design car keys with chips. They are also available at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed to operate the device.

You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars, but is now available on many affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires could start to break. Once enough wires break then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a new key and determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start cars. They can also be a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry or summon it by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.

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

Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith key cutting who offers key fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case, you should always have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart honda pilot key cutting. 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 key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.

You have a few options to select from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within a specific distance.

If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can make a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks, and doors.

Another option is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to enhance the security of their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.