Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny located in the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in choosing the right one for your car. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in many affordable models of cars as well.

Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. keys cut for cars are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it 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 isn't a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message 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 does not make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires can start to break. When enough wires break the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.

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

This is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot or summon it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the 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 jostled around in purses and pockets where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.

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

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.

The decision to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. read will unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.


Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut There are many options to select from when it comes to having another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start 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 embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function when you're within a certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.

You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who want to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.