10 Life Lessons We Can Take From Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive key cutting retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip which is needed for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on many affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires could begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.

The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great method to test out a new key and check whether it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new car key cut key could have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that many 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 chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key cut place near me-fob-cloning.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only function when you're within a certain distance.

If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key cutting business fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut car keys near me cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to safeguard 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 present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.