The Next Big Event In The Cut Car Key Industry

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

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

Locksmiths who offer these services can design car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle that is required to use the device.

You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting (More Material) equipment or specially designed software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a car key cutting service that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and over time the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. 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. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.

This is a great way to test a brand new key and check whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start a car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a 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 such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

For most drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than 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 made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get keys cut a new one made.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to select from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only function when you're within a certain distance.

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

You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.