The Secret Life Of Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips in the handle of your key which transmit 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 thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will 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.

Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will help you get the right one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required to operate the device.

You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars but is now accessible 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 contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and cut car Key the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

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

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and determine whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. 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 obtain from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends much of its time in purses and pockets, where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

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

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

The decision to buy a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car keys cutting's keyless start and entry functions. In any event, you should always have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, cut car Key you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last cut your keys There are many options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these modern features that come with modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within a specific distance.

If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.

Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to safeguard their automobiles. Laser Cut Car Key keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.