The History Of Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use 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 that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer onboard is able to verify the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can make car keys with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars, but 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 in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is sent 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 will start to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

After a lot of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key cutting business by using a multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the motorcycle key cutting, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key car cutting.

This method is also a good way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition 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 vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. They also function as a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality 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 will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price for a device that's often jostled in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.

To secure a smart card, you can store it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you need to remove your key fob every time you want to take it out of the protective case.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key cutting cost-fob-cloning services.

The decision to purchase a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.

You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within a specific distance.

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

Another alternative is to get your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish 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 aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key and won't start.