Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's 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 sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. They are also available at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the right one for your vehicle. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to use it.

You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.

get car key cut of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys and cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires may begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is also a great way to test the new key to determine if it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the car. They are also a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that's often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

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

The decision to buy a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, assuming you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within a specific range of your car.

If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.

Another alternative is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those looking to secure their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.