Ten Easy Steps To Launch Your Own Cut Car Key Business

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer checks the digital serial number of the chip before it allows the car to start. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the instructions 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 correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith laser cut keys near me who offers these services. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle that is required to use the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is most common in high-end cars however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special spare key cutting programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected the key blades to them so 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 secure from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not begin.

The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a new key and see if it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. They also function as a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot or call it up by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a product that is often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if have to take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the protective case.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision of whether to buy a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob in case you misplace yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a 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. They can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser key cutting-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.

Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys substituted with a laser key cutting near me-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to safeguard their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.