10 Quick Tips To Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You will 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 past 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed to use the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles, but is now available on many affordable models.

Another type of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys or 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 within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted 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 begins to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and over time the wires may begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and determine if it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. They often have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot or summon it by pressing the button. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price to pay for a product that is often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.

One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to store it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you need to take your key fob out every time you take it out of the protective case.

Some newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who 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 starter functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra key or fob handy just 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. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to select from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

auto key cutting  are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific distance of your car.

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

Another alternative is to get your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are now a popular option for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.