Seven Explanations On Why Cut Car Key Is So Important
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are small microchips inside the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car checks the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can help you find the best one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is most common in luxury cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another type of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available 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 uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on 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 VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires could start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a new key and see whether it works in your car. Just be cheapest key cutting near me to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking space, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that is often time in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you have to remove your key fob every time you use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees 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. In any case, you should always have a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. read what he said to using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you cut your keys there are a variety of options to pick from when it comes to having another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within the distance of your car.
If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.