15 Things You Didn't Know About Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips inside the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer onboard examines the serial number digitally of the chip before it allows the car to start. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If car key cutting and programming is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it can delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car can begin 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. auto key cutting 'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine 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 meter on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This can also be a good method to test a new key to see if it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high price for a device that's often jostled in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as 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 new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys there are a variety of options to pick from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that are included in modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.