Seven Reasons To Explain Why Cut Car Key Is Important Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The computer on board detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

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


Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars with chips. They are also available at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but is now available on many affordable models.

Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). key cutting open now makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal is in line with the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine starts to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every when the key is inserted. Over time the wires could begin to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.

This method is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start cars. 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 emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the protective case.

Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for 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.

The decision to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key 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 cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.

There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only work when you're within a certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your locks, trunk, and doors.

You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for people who want to provide extra security to their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.