A Look Inside The Secrets Of Cut Car Key Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers 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 inside your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They are also available at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to use it.

There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen 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 specific key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached the key blades to them so that when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After car key cutting near me of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires may start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great way to test out a new key and check whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.

car key cut charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a product that is often jostled in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.

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

Some newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties will cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which 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. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional 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 have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one made from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut There are many options to choose from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.

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


Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their automobiles. 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.