Where Can You Find The Most Reliable Cut Car Key Information?

Car Key Cutting Explained

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

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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, but is now available on many affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 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 device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a mobile key cutting near me with a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the 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 begins to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

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

You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great method to test a new key and check whether it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the car. They are also a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking space, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.

One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.

For most drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event you should have a spare car key cutting key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys cut in my area for cars are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.

If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. The first time these van keys cut near me were introduced was in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.