Why Is Cut Car Key So Popular?
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind 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 one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not designed to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, 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 black VATS pellet inside the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those found on modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded message 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 turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every when the key is introduced. Over time the wires could start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken the signal to the module is 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 hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great method to test out a new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They also function as an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for something that is often time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.
To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case every time you need 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 or extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
visit website of whether to buy a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out to a smart or 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 car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last cut your keys there are a variety of options to pick from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within the distance of your car.
If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
Another option is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.