For Whom Is Cut Car Key And Why You Should Take A Look

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built in the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer checks the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This prevents thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal 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 range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip which is needed to use the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.

Another type of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be found 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 utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded message is sent 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 turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time the key is inserted. As time passes the wires could start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car will not begin.

You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This method can also be a good method to test the new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They can also be a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs 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 near.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.

The decision to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Some of these modern features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within certain distance.

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

key cutting services  can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of 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 won't respond to the signals coming from the key, and will not start.