How Cut Car Key Has Become The Most SoughtAfter Trend In 2023

Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The computer on board reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can make car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades so that, when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent 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 will start to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module may start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time a key is introduced. As time passes, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start a car. They can also be an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that is often time in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or use 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 need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties will cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and open the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If get keys cut is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
Depending on how long has passed since you last cut your keys There are many options to select from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another option is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those looking to safeguard 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 be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.