mobile car key cutting Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have 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 this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They are also available at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the right one for your vehicle. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is most common in luxury cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor 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 is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal 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 key cut safe from burglary however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.

After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires may start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.

The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This method can also be a good method to test a new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are not 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, make chirping noises to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.

To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you have to remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the case.

Some newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties will cover the cost to get car key cut of an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only work when you're within a certain distance.

If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new car key cut 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. you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.

You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to protect their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.