The Secret Life Of Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in many affordable models of cars as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out.  cheapest key cutting near me  is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This method is also a great way to test a new key to determine if 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 could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your car in a lot or call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a product that is often tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One way to protect a smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if must take your key fob out every time you use it from the case.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto 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 copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.

For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. Always keep a spare key or fob in case you lose yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you would buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within a certain range of your car.

If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who want to secure their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals emanating from the key and won't start.