Cut Car Key: The Secret Life Of Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. replacement car key cutting 'll require an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected the key's blade, so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time a key is placed. As time passes the wires could start to break. When enough wires break the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. 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 placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the car. They can also be an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking space, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you must take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the case.
Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to purchase a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you would buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. cost to get a key cut is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.