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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your car key cutter at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can design car keys with chips. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can also help you 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 due to having a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in many affordable models of cars too.

Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car key cutting machine. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those found on modern smart keys, 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 on, a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft, cut car key but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time the key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.

You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are hanging out 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 a new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. 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 a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.

To secure a smart card you can put it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you have to remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the protective case.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case, you should always have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, assuming you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned 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 it is necessary to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.

Depending on how long has passed since the last time you cut your keys there are a variety of options to select from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it only work when it's within the range of your car.

If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with a standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.

You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. Typically, laser cut car key keys have special transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.