Why You Should Be Working With This Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutter cutting is much more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed to use the device.

There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on many affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

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

GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires could start to break. Once enough wires break then the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. 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 is also a great way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. 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 call it up by pressing the button. This is more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One way to protect a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob each time you use it from the case.

Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will cover the cost of an additional fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who 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 start functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open 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 traditional keys is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to select from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.

Some of these features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within certain distance.

If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using a standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to get your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.