10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
cutting car the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The computer in the car examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This stops thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car key cutting cost's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle that is required to operate the device.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended 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 transponder keys or cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a car key cutting cost safe from theft however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time the key is inserted. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires break, the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.
This method can also be a good method to test the new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start a car. They are also a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting a smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case you should have an extra fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement car key cutting fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it has to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut There are many options to select from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.
Some of these modern features that come with the modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key cutting services and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't receive the signals from the key and won't start.