10 Quick Tips For Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The computer in the car checks the serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can help you find the best one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip, which is required to use the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from theft however 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 moves two tiny wires inside 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 start.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This method is also a great way to test a new key to determine whether it works 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 with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your car in a lot or activate it by pressing the button. 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 need to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if must remove your key fob every time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case, you should always have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose it. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd 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. These keys can open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.
Some of these modern features that are included in modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific distance of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.