Everything You Need To Know About Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The computer on board reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one.  car key cutting and programming  stops thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. They have a huge selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to use it.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most common in luxury cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.

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

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected the key blades to them so that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the module. If it matches 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.

After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time a key is inserted. Over time, the wires may start to break. When enough wires break then the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. 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 also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot or activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra 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 charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are  automotive key cutting  who have developed 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 via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.

To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if must take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the case.

Some newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for an additional fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.

The decision of whether to buy a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by 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 traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.

There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within a certain distance of your car.

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

Another option is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.