Five Qualities That People Search For In Every Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer checks the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This stops thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars with chips. They are also available at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip which is needed to use the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in many affordable models of automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the 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 the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each when the key is inserted. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to see if it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They also function as a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that is often jostled in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are typically utilized 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 cool way to improve , you can store it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case every time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
For most drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.
You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your locks, trunk and doors.
You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to protect their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals from the key and won't start.