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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer on board detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. They are also available at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the right one for your car. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to use it.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special key cutting software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on many affordable models.

Another type of car key cutting lowes key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are costly 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 that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to 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 starts to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use, the VATS module can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires can start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting 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 if it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the car. They often have advanced features that most 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 help you locate your car in a lot or summon it by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart Van Key Cutting fob. It's a steep price for a product that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.

To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case every time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.

For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.

There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you cut your keys. 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 ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the distance of your vehicle.

If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to get your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who cuts car keys near me wish to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.