The Cut Car Key Mistake That Every Beginner Makes
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer onboard examines 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 have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the right one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on many affordable models.
Another kind of car sidewinder key cutting that's 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 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, 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 VATS pellet black located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade, so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is sent 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 doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every time the key is introduced. Over time the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires break the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start cars. They also function as used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that is often time in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you have to remove your key car cutting fob each time you want to use it from the protective case.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
For most drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event, you should always have a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start the car, assuming you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit an 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've had your keys cut. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors.
Another alternative is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the motorcycle key cutting.