The Next Big Event In The Cut Car Key Industry

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are located in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars with chips. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the right one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip that is required to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is most common in high-end cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (Vehicle locksmith anti-theft system) key. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific sidewinder key cutting 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 ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in 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 carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time a key is placed. Over time the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own 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. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.

This method can also be a good method to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key cut place fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often 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 secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must take your key fob out every time you use it from the case.

Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of a replacement car key cutting or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware 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. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

There are a variety of options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle 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 car and make it only work when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle.

If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you are still able to operate your locks, trunk, and doors.

You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and Vehicle Locksmith are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.