A Peek Inside Cut Car Key's Secrets Of Cut Car Key Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. Discover More is a complex process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The computer on board reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can help you find the right one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip, which is required to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that 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 more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time the key is introduced. Over time the wires can start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key.

This is also a good way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your car in a parking space or let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if have to remove your key fob every time you want to use it from the case.

Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't changed them out to a smart or 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 key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.

You have a few choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within the distance of your vehicle.


If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you can still operate your trunk, locks, and doors.

You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.