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Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, functionality and the longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips in the key's handle which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip which is needed to use the device.

You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.

Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not intended to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain 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 uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.

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

After a lot of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires can begin to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys


Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends much of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.

One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case every time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

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

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 always have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. homepage offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can open your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.

Some of these advanced features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. 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. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within certain distance.

If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.

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