The History Of Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are tiny located in the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another type of key for cars that is difficult 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 to any of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time the key is inserted. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using a multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.

This is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your car in a parking lot or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge price for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.

To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case every time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Fortunately,  key cutting open now  of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.

For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event you should have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut there are a variety of options to select from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only function when you're within a certain distance.

If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with the standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to add extra protection to their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.