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20 Things Only The Most Devoted Cut Car Key Fans Know
Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car checks the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

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

Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in finding the best one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. car keys cut are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being 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 used in modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter 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 inside the ignition move each time a key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.


This is a great opportunity to test a new key and check whether it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They are also an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key 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 humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks 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.

Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to choose from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Some of these features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it only work when it's within the range of your car.

If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could create a new key using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you are still able to operate your locks, trunk and doors.

Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those looking to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't receive the signals coming from the key, and will not start.

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