Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The computer onboard checks the serial number of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip inside your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a huge range of keys and can help you find the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required for it to function.

Laser Cut car keys keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades so that, when the key was turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time a key is inserted. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken then 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 problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value 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 is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They are also an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and cut car keys unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that spends much of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it is easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or use 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 want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car key cut and programed dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.

For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with the 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 key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to select from when it comes to having another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features like 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 embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within the distance of your car.

If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.