Test: How Much Do You Know About Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer onboard checks the serial number digitally of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

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

Locksmiths who provide these services can design car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can help you find the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle that is required for the device to function.

You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting (www.webwiki.de`s blog) equipment or special software. This technology is most common in luxury cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.

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

Keys to VATS

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades so that, when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal is in line with the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it can delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every time a key is introduced. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough of the wires break then the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key cut service using a multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.

This method is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most 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 noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Some newer policies like auto key cutting club memberships and extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case, you should always have a spare car key cut fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and open the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key cutting lowes key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since you last cut your keys there are a variety of options available for you to choose from when it comes to getting another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within the distance of your car.

If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key car cutting, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.