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Why You Should Be Working With This Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the past 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are tiny located in the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer onboard is able to verify 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 be able to steal it.

get car key cut inside your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys 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 that's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as 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 that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to the 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module could begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires can begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.

The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great way to test a new key and determine whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs


Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. They can also be an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to keep it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties, will cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.

For most drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.

You have a few options to select from based on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within the distance of your car.

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

Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are now a popular option for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.

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