10 Steps To Begin Your Own Cut Car Key Business
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in 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 key cut will recognize this code and will only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is most common in luxury cars, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent the car key blade cutting from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is 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 does not make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time a key is inserted. As time passes the wires can start 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 fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal hanging 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 opportunity to test out a new key and check if it works in your car key cut. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They can also be used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry or summon it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to store it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its 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, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare car key cutting near me fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using the traditional key cutting open now is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals from the key, and will not start.