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Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer examines the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. They are also available at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip which is needed for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

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

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start 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.

Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires can start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great way to test a brand new key and check whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of 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, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking space or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you get keys cut from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge price for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides nearest key cutting-fob cloning.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to 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 is lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.

Depending on how long has passed since you last cut your keys There are many options to pick from when it comes time to get another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct 24 hour key cutting is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the distance of your car.

If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make the new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.