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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer onboard is able to verify the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This stops thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

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

Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required for it 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 can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.

Another type of car key that is difficult 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 fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a auto key cutting machine programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, 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 online car key cutting. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to module. If the signal is in line with 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 safe from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.

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

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

This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and see whether it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier 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 key fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the protective case.

Some of the newer policies such as auto key cutting club memberships as well as extended warranties, will cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

Depending on how long has passed since the last time you got your keys cut There are many options available for you to pick from when it comes to having another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within the range of your car.

If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you can still operate your locks, trunk, and doors.

You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.