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The People Closest To Cut Car Key Share Some Big Secrets
Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.


Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a wide range of keys and will help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to use it.

There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it can delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module may start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time the key is introduced. As time passes the wires could begin to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.

This is also a good way to test a new key to see if it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card, you can store it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case every time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd pay 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 can open your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of options to pick from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

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

If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.

Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to secure their vehicles. Laser cut car key cutting near me are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.

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