The People Who Are Closest To Cut Car Key Have Big Secrets To Share

Car Key Cutting Explained

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

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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer checks the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.

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

Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.

Another kind of key for cars 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 fifteen possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for 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 more info here is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time the key is inserted. Over time the wires can begin to break. Once enough of the wires break then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.


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

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They also function as a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry or call it up by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you have to remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the case.

Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships and extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.

The decision to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event you should have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

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

Some of these advanced features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within certain distance.

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

Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who want to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.

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Pub: 13 Mar 2024 08:20 UTC

Views: 88