20 Reasons Why Cut Car Key Will Never Be Forgotten

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips inside the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive key cutting near me retailers such as AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed to use the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal is in line with 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 vehicle theft proof however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car key cutting and programming will not start.

You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key.

This method is also a great way to test the new key to determine if it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start a car. They also function as used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding 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 standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that is often time in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods 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 false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case every time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Some of the newer policies such as auto key cutting club memberships as well as extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it gets 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 that offers key-fob cloning services.

For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on the importance of your mobile car key cutting's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to select from when it comes to having another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Some of these features that come with modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within certain distance.

If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you can still operate your trunk, locks, and doors.

You can also replace your standard van keys cut near me for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who want to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.