Are Cut Car Key The Best There Ever Was?
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car examines the serial number digitally of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a huge selection of keys, and can help you find the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.
Another kind of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black 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's just carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires can begin to break. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test out a new key and check whether it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners aren't aware 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 and make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot or call it up by pressing a button. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. how much to get car keys cut 's a high price to pay for a device that is often tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.
One method of protecting a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case every time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep an extra key or fob in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it only work when it's within the range of your car.
If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is cheaper 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 with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.