5 Clarifications On Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than just forming the metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer checks the digital serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to 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 when it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

get car key cut keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer 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 even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required for it to function.

There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting (what google did to me) equipment or special software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars as well.

Another kind of key for cars that is hard 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 intended to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

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 makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car key cut. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached the key's blade to ensure that, when the 24 hour key cutting is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine starts to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module may begin 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 is lost to the module and the car will not begin.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal 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 a great method to test a new key and determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry or summon it by pressing the button. This is more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge price for a device that is often jostled in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.

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

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 avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event you should have a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than what you would pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can open your locks and begin your car keys cut and programmed, assuming you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.

You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within certain distance.

If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design a new key with the standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.