Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are tiny inside the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer examines the serial number digitally of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys cut for cars due to having locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.

Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a mobile car key cutting, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades so that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to the module. If it 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 doesn't make a car safe from theft however it can delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is a great way to test a brand new key and determine whether it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start cars. 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 deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry or activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that is often time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged, or cut car keys exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need 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 and extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

For most drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. Always keep a spare key or fob in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd spend at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can open your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.

You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut car keys (click here!) your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within the distance of your car.

If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

Another alternative is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are 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.