5 Qualities That People Are Looking For In Every Cut Car Key Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The computer onboard checks the digital serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. cutting car key prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.


Locksmiths who provide these services can make keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required to use the device.

You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.

Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. 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 stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module may start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time the key is placed. As time passes the wires could begin to break. When enough wires are broken, the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great way to test a brand new key and see whether it works in your car. Remove car key cutting from the ignition first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start a car. They are also an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually 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 something that is often time in pockets and purses, where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

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

The decision to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the significance 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. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. cutting car key of 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 is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.

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

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only function when you're within a certain distance.

If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you can still operate your locks, trunk and doors.

Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.