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Is Cut Car Key The Best Thing There Ever Was?
Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. keys cut for cars stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip which is needed for the device to function.

You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is most common in high-end cars however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys and cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades so that, when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires could start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter 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 car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They can also be a security device 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, make noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also require 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 steep price to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common 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 false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One way to protect a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Some newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties will pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case you should have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.

There are a variety of options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Some of these features that come with modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a specific range of your car.

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

Another alternative is to have your standard 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 a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key and won't start.

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