The Reasons You ll Want To Read More About Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement car key cutting key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars with chips. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in choosing the best one for your vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting (Read More Here) machines or with specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost 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 fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however it could delay thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires may start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it works in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new car key cut key could have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. They are also used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing the button. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case every time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within a certain distance of your car.
If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can make a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are now a popular option for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.