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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car examines the digital serial number of the chip before it allows the car to start. This stops thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. They are also available at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip which is needed to operate the device.

There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, 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 is difficult to duplicate. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to 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 within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to 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 starts to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time a key is inserted. Over time the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is a great method to test a brand new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the car. They are also used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.

One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to store it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks 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 protective case.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. automotive key cutting of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, broken 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 had your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to pick from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these advanced features that come with modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.


Another alternative is to get your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with 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 from the key and won't be able to start.

Homepage: https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/car-key-cutting-near-me/