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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number within 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, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start if the nearest key cutting is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some auto key cutting dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can help you find the best one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to use it.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.

Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary emergency key cutting with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as used in modern smart getting keys cut. It is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent 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 does not make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.

You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and see whether it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking space and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that spends much of its time in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to put it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

For most drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote automotive key cutting. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.

There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only work when you're within a certain distance.

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

You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are now a popular option for those looking to provide extra security to their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals coming from the key, and will not start.