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Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

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

Locksmiths who provide these services can create car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip that is required to use the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars too.

Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys or cars with 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 a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires may begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.

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

This is a great method to test out a new key and see whether it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They are also an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing the button. This is more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends much of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key cut service fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a replacement car key cutting, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.

Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you cut your keys there are a variety of alternatives to select from when it comes to Getting keys cut another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific range of your car.

If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new vw key cut by vin near me using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.