Car Key Cutting Explained

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

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips located in the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car key cutter key sends an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

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

You can also purchase laser cut car key keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on many affordable models.

Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys come with a resistor 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 it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those found on modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent to module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on 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 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time a key is introduced. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough of the wires break, the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This can also be a good method to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.

To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case every time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Some newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for a replacement fob, or Cut Car Key reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.

The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car keys cutting and programming's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, provided you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within the distance of your car.

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 is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for people who want to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.