10 Places That You Can Find Cut Car Key

10 Places That You Can Find Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize the 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.

Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. They have a huge selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the right one for your vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.

Another type of car key that is difficult 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 with one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at a few 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 an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with 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 car burglar-proof however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires can begin 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 problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.

This is a great way to test out a new key and determine whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends much of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.

To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a case that is protected each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships or extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For most drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks.  Click In this article  offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these modern features that come with the modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.


If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to enhance the security of their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.