Ten Easy Steps To Launch Your Own Cut Car Key Business

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The computer on board reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can design car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached the key blades to them so that when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.

The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

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

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They also function as a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that spends much of its time in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.

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

Some newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event you should have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.

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

Some of these features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only effective only when you're within a specific distance.

If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores.  key cutting open now  is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key and won't start.