The Secret Secrets Of Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.
key cutting open now
If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips inside the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer checks the digital serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. They have a vast range of keys and will help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key so 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 the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires may start to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test out a new key and check whether it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the car. They are also an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a case that is protected each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event you should have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within a certain range of your car.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks, and doors.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.