5 Clarifications On Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. automotive key cutting examines the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge 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 that is required to operate the device.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars, but 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. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is 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 turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and over time the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it works in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help find your vehicle in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price for a product that is often jostled in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely 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 you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and start the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you got your keys cut There are many alternatives to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the distance of your car.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with the standard cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another option is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.