Why You'll Want To Learn More About Cut Car Key Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer on board detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

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

Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. They are also available at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.

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

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with 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 a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time a key is inserted. Over 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 begin.

You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great way to test out a new key and determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key 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 car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start cars. They are also a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.


To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.

For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you would spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut There are many options available for you to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. mouse click the next article are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.

Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make a new key with a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you can still operate your trunk, locks, and doors.

Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals from the key, and will not start.