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Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny located in the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This prevents thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip, which is required to use the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than 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 special software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind 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 prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected the key blades to them so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal 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, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

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

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.

This method is also a great way to test the new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your car in a parking space, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.

One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case every time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare key cutting key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

Depending on how long has passed since you last had your keys cut There are many alternatives to pick from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these advanced features that come with the modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective when you're within a certain distance.

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

You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.