10 Places That You Can Find Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are small microchips located in the key's handle that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or 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 internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those found on modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it can 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 every time the key is placed. Over time the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.
This is a great method to test a new key and check if it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to aid in locating your car in a lot or call it up by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.
One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you have to take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the protective case.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships and extended warranties will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. key cutting services are made to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different options to select from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these modern features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within a certain distance of your car.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't start.