Everything You Need To Be Aware Of Cut Car Key
cut and program car key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. 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 computer onboard examines the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the right one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip which is needed to operate the device.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars as well.
Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for 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 module. If the signal matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine starts to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each when the key is introduced. Over time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and determine if it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the car. They are also used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you need to remove your key fob every time you use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to purchase a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare key or fob in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.
There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these advanced features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within a specific distance.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could create a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.
Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.