The Most Common Cut Car Key Mistake Every Beginner Makes

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips located in the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside 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 this code and only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.

You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.

Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended 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 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 key that has an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key Cut for Car near me is not a chip like those present in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key cutting open now is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires may begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.

This method is also a great way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.

To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision to purchase a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case, you should always have a spare car key cut key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you would pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will open your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.

There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys have 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 keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key cutting places and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within a specific distance.

If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with a standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder nearest key cutting, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who wish to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.