10 Easy Steps To Start Your Own Cut Car Key Business

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than just shaping the metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car checks the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a 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 right one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

car key cutting cost keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys cutting near me and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it can delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and over time the wires could begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.

The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.

This is a great way to test a new key and determine whether it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the car. They also function as an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.

To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob each time you need to take it out of the protective case.

Some of the newer policies like auto key cutting club memberships and extended warranties, will cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

The decision to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key cutting and programming key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

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

Some of these advanced features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within the distance of your vehicle.

If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design the new key using an ordinary 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 traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to protect their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.