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Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for laser key cutting cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips located in the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. They have a huge selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the right one for your car key cutting price. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to use it.

You can also purchase laser key cutting near me cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on 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 located at certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as present on modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades so that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to the 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 begins to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every when the key is introduced. Over time the wires can start to break. Once enough of the wires break, the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key.

This is a great way 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 will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or put it in 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 use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can cover the cost of an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision to purchase a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case, you should always have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since the last time you got your keys cut there are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within the distance of your vehicle.

If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the mobile key cutting fob or laser key cutting transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to secure their vehicles. Laser cut new car key near me keys typically come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.