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Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the honda pilot key cutting is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

car key cutting lowes keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed to use the device.

You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting (click for more info) machines or special software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet 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 the VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key so that when the mobile key cutting is turned in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal 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 isn't a way to make a car safe from theft however it can delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time a key is inserted. Over time, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.

This can also be a good method to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your vehicle in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob each time you take it out of 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 pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.

The decision to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd spend at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key 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 key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you cut your keys there are a variety of options available for you to choose from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a specific range of your car.

If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with a standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.

Another option is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to protect 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 installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.