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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cut ting is a lot more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips in the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer onboard is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.


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

Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can help you find the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.

You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to having a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.

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 them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with 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 is not a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key was turned on, a coded message 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it can delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.

This can also be a good method to test the new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start cars. They are also used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends much of its time in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.

One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if must remove your key fob every time you use it from the case.

Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties can pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it must be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost, you will need 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 choose from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.

If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased 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.

Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to protect their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.

Member since: Wednesday, October 23, 2024

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