Question: How Much Do You Know About Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
car key blade cutting key cutting is more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. 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 in the car key cutting price examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on 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 start to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each when the key is placed. Over time the wires can begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not function 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 also function as used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your car in a lot or call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price for a device that is often jostled in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case every time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key cut places near me is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you have 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 a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.
There are several options to select from based on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle.
If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.