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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. 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 your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can make car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle that is required to use the device.

You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time a key is introduced. Over time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires are broken, the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key.

This method can also be a good method to test a new key to see if it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.

Smart automobile key cutting near me Fobs

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. This is more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that is often time in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.

One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you must take your key fob out every time you want to take it out of the protective case.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto key cutting club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.

The decision to purchase a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should 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. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and open the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key cut for car near me is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key cut near me open now has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.

You have a few choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.

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

If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to add extra protection to their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.