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Car Key Cutting Explained

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

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The onboard computer examines the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

key cut places near me with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. They have a vast variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.

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

Another kind of car key that is difficult 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 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called 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 black VATS pellet inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal 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 starts to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time a key is placed. Over time the wires can begin to break. Once enough wires are broken then 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 fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and see whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys


Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep price to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if need to remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the protective case.

Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.

The decision of whether to buy a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you cut your keys There are many alternatives to choose from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function when you're within a certain distance.

If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.

You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.

Member since: Thursday, October 17, 2024

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