Cut Car Key's History History Of Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures safety, functionality, and longevity of the 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 require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer onboard examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a vast range of keys and will help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not designed to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars that had 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. 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 found on most modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the 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 is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires can begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken, the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key cut for car near me using a multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.

This method is also a good way to test a new key to see whether 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 have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most 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 chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking lot and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for getting a new car key cut device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One way to protect a smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you have to remove your key fob every time you use it from the case.

Some newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for an additional fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob in case you misplace yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car spare key cutting has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

Depending on how long has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.

Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within a specific range of your car.

If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors.

Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are now a popular option for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys cut in my area typically have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.