Seven Reasons Why Cut Car Key Is So Important Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips in the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This will stop 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. They are also available at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain 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 makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.


GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key was turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to 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 however it can delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module may start to wear out. Every 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. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great method to test a new key and determine whether it works in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.

locksmith key cutting for Keys

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking space and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional features can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if must remove your key fob each time you take it out of the protective case.

Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships and extended warranties will cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event, you should always have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than what you would spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you cut your keys, there are several different options to pick from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these features that come with modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a specific distance of your car.

If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could create a new key using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.

Another alternative is to get your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.