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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping a piece of 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 have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built in the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.

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

Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some car key Cutting Lowes dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars 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 feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that when the key was turned on, the key cutting places 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 starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every time the key is placed. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.

You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great method to test a brand new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your mobile car key cutting.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or call it up by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you get car key cut from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive 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. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends much of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.

To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Some newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case, you should always have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. If you have cost to get car key cut purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would pay at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your car mobile key cutting service is lost or broken it is necessary to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk, locks, and doors.

You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.