The Next Big Event In The Cut Car Key Industry Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping the metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car checks the digital serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a variety of affordable cars too.

Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message 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 start to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.

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

This method can also be a good method to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. read this of them come with advanced features that a lot of 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 chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.


In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a product that is often tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.

To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you need to take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the protective case.

Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. 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.

For most drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that 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. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and start the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.

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

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and 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 in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific distance of your car.

If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.