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What Is Cut Car Key And Why You Should Be Concerned
Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips in the key's handle which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip, which is required to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars too.

Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black 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 expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time a key is inserted. As time passes the wires can begin to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using 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 read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.

This method is also a great way to test the new key to determine 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 may have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They also function as used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that is often jostled in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. G28 are often combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.


To secure a smart card you can put it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if must remove your key fob each time you want to take it out of the protective case.

Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will pay for a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

The decision to purchase a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare fob or key in case you misplace yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

Depending on how long has passed since the last time you cut your keys There are many options available for you to pick from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.

If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.

You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't start.

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