Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny 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 serial number of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores offer a wide 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 to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars too.

Another kind of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only found at some locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches 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 doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage, the VATS module can begin 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. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.

This is a great way to test a brand new key and determine whether it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your cheap car key cutting.

Smart Key Fobs

sidewinder key cutting fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They are also a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high price for a product that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.

To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if have to remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the case.

Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you would spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.

You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a certain range of your car.

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

You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.