15 Things You Didn t Know About Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.

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 an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in choosing the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip that is required to operate the device.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few 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 regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades so that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time a key is inserted. Over time the wires could begin to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great way to test a new key and check if it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start the car. They can also be an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry or summon it by pressing the button. This is more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, 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 a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.

To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case every time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto key cutting machine club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.

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

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them for a smart key cutting services or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to choose from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain 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 makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within a specific distance.

If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you can still operate your locks, trunk, and doors.

Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser car key cutting service near me cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to secure their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.