Is Cut Car Key The Best Thing There Ever Was?
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming the metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. cut car keys are tiny inside the key's handle which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your vehicle. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but 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 is difficult to duplicate. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain 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 within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the 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 begins to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft however it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time a key is inserted. Over time the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires break then the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a new key and determine whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a product that is often tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case every time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you got your keys cut, there are several different options to pick from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.