Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny in the key's handle which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer onboard examines the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip, which is required to operate the device.

You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys cut in my area are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those present in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each when the key is placed. As time passes the wires can start to break. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

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

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They also function as a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends much of its time in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically utilized 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.

One way to protect a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you need to remove your key fob each time you use it from the case.

Certain policies that are more recent such as auto key cutting club memberships or extended warranties will cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

For most drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event, you should always have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, provided you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

Depending on how long has passed since you last cut your keys there are a variety of options to select from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Some of these modern features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it only work when it's within a specific distance of your car.

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

You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically have special key cutting transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.