Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.


It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips located in the key's handle which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer onboard is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This prevents thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another type of key for cars that is hard 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 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS pellet in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires could start to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.

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

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start the car. They also function as a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that is often time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. key cut service Links to an external site. are often combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you use it from the case.

Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

The decision to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it must be physically put into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.

Some of these modern features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective when you're within a certain distance.

If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key and won't start.