Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping the metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures 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 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 to have a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips inside the handle of your key which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer checks the digital serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle, which is required to use the device.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is most common in high-end cars, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at some locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to module. If the signal is in line with 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 does not make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time the key is placed. As time passes the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and determine if it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start a car. They often have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry or call it up by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge 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 jostled around in purses and pockets, where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.
One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case every time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than what you would pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it must be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.
Some of these features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Discover More Here is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.