10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Cut Car Key Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips inside the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer onboard examines the serial number digitally of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

The microchip in your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing 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 offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a resistor that is 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 costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned in the ignition 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 the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each when the key is inserted. Over Click In this article , the wires may start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are hanging out 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 way to test out a new key and see whether it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys


Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. They are also an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is 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 require to be programmed by a dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets where it is easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. 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 usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card you can put it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob each time you want to take it out of the protective case.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.

For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within a specific distance.

If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you can still operate your locks, trunk and doors.

Another option is to have the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.