Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another type 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 potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to confirm that the right 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 as found on most modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected the key blades to them so that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a car key cutting cost safe from burglary howf its time in purses and pockets, where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

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

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-mobile car key cutting dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.

For the majority of drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any event, you should always have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you don't swap them out for a smart key 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 is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to select from when it comes to getting another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Some of these features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key cut to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within the distance of your vehicle.

If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could create a new key with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for people who want to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.