15 Things You Don't Know About Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the past 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car checks the serial number of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip that is required for the device to function.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in many affordable models of cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time a key is placed. As time passes the wires could begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately, getting a new car key cut have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of 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 a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the case.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
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. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than what you would spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using a 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 it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
There are several options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these advanced features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to protect their automobiles. car key cutting machine made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't start.