Why Do So Many People Would Like To Learn More About Cut Car Key? Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car examines the digital serial number of the chip before it allows the car to start. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work.

You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.

Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

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 uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and over time the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a new key and see whether it works in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry or activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that is often time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card, you can store 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 protective case every 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, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.


The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case, you should always have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.

There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. reference utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function when you're within a certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you can still operate your locks, trunk and doors.

Another alternative is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those looking to protect their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.