An automobile key also referred to as a car key, is a key that is used to open and/or start a car/automobile. There are many different types of automotive car keys including VATS keys, transponder keys and smart keys/key fobs that have been designed for use. All these types of car keys are made one of two major automotive key cutting techniques.
TRADITIONAL MECHANICAL-CUT AUTOMOTIVE KEYS:
These are the most popular or common car key type. Mechanical automobile keys are cut using a traditional key cutting machine in the same way that locksmiths make keys for homes, safes and regular locks. Mechanical car key cutting was the only technique used to make automotive car keys until the late 20th century when the laser key cutting technique gained popularity. The increased security associated with the laser cut keys are making mechanical cut keys less common on newer automobiles.
LASER CUT AUTOMOTIVE KEYS:
These keys are also referred to as internal cut or sidewinder keys. Laser cut keys are the most advanced of the two automotive key cutting techniques. Laser cut keys offer numerous security advantages. They have lock cylinders that are harder to pick compared to the traditional automotive key and are difficult to duplicate because they are manufactured using expensive, highly specialized software and high-tech laser key cutting machines. More automobile manufacturers are now using laser cut keys for their automobiles.
COMMON TYPES OF AUTOMOTIVE KEYS:
GETTING AN AUTOMOTIVE KEY FROM AN AUTOMOTIVE LOCKSMITH VS CAR DEALERSHIP
TRADITIONAL MECHANICAL-CUT AUTOMOTIVE KEYS:
These are the most popular or common car key type. Mechanical automobile keys are cut using a traditional key cutting machine in the same way that locksmiths make keys for homes, safes and regular locks. Mechanical car key cutting was the only technique used to make automotive car keys until the late 20th century when the laser key cutting technique gained popularity. The increased security associated with the laser cut keys are making mechanical cut keys less common on newer automobiles.
LASER CUT AUTOMOTIVE KEYS:
These keys are also referred to as internal cut or sidewinder keys. Laser cut keys are the most advanced of the two automotive key cutting techniques. Laser cut keys offer numerous security advantages. They have lock cylinders that are harder to pick compared to the traditional automotive key and are difficult to duplicate because they are manufactured using expensive, highly specialized software and high-tech laser key cutting machines. More automobile manufacturers are now using laser cut keys for their automobiles.
COMMON TYPES OF AUTOMOTIVE KEYS:
- Transponder Keys: These are car keys that have a computer microchip at the handle for purposes of ignition security and also to prevent key fraud. Transponder keys can be either mechanical cut or laser cut depending on the make and model of the automobile.
- Smart Keys: These are car keys that use computerized microchips and sensors to open and start a car without using a key. All that is required is to have these keys in person and your car will unlock and also start because the key is in close proximity.
- Vehicle Anti-Theft System(VATS) Keys: These are mechanical cut keys with a black resistor on the blade that has one of the 15 possible values for the purposes of added security. Although some people confuse the resistors for a computer chip, there is no computer technology on VATS keys.
- Valet Keys: These are car keys that have been modified slightly to enable the holder to operate ignition and door locks but not open locked glove boxes and trunks. They are issued alongside a standard smart key or transponder key.
GETTING AN AUTOMOTIVE KEY FROM AN AUTOMOTIVE LOCKSMITH VS CAR DEALERSHIP
- Cost Effective: It costs significantly less to have an automotive locksmith make a new car key or duplicate a spare key for you than it would at a local car dealership. In the event that you have lost your keys and have no way of starting your vehicle, an automotive locksmith would be able to come out to your car rather than having your car towed to the dealership saving you the cost of having your vehicle towed.
- Timely and Convenient: It takes less time to get a new car key from an automotive locksmith than a car dealership. Automotive locksmith will come to you saving you the hassle and time of waiting around at a car dealership.
