Why Do So Many People Would Like To Learn More About Cut Car Key?
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. They are also available at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores have a wide range of keys and will help you get the right one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip which is needed to operate the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional 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 machines, or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.
Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires may start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not 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 find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal sticking out 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 method to test a new key and determine if it works in your car. Remove the ignition key 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 of today can do more than unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry or summon it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends much of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
To secure getting a key cut near me can put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case you should have a spare fob or key in case you lose it. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can open your locks and begin your car, provided you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of options to select from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you are still able to operate your locks, trunk, and doors.
Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who want to secure their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals coming from the key, and will not start.