15 Things You're Not Sure Of About Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer on board detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to make it work.

You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is most common in luxury cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the nearest key cutting is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time a key is placed. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough of the wires break then the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can determine 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 determine if it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition 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

Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends much of its time in purses and pockets, where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows 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 keep it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob every time you need to take it out of the protective case.

Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will open your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different options available for you to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only effective when you're within a certain distance.

If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with the standard cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your locks, trunk and doors.

Another alternative is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to enhance the security of their automobiles. laser car key cutting service near me cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.