What Do You Know About Cut Car Key?
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips located in the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer onboard examines the serial number digitally of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large range of keys and can help you find the best one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now available in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys 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 designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition the 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 be activated and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time a key is placed. As time passes, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This method is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start the car. They are also a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your car in a lot or summon it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card you can put it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since you last cut your keys there are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If mobile key cutting aren't installed in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key and won't start.