3 Ways The Cut Car Key Influences Your Life

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your online car key cutting or even have them break into the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct 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 key sends an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip that is required to use the device.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars as well.

Another kind of car key that's hard 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 one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a 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 being used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine starts to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module may start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and over time the wires could begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.

This method is also a great way to test a new key to see if it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the car. They also function as a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality can mean that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case every time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case you should have an extra fob or mobile key cutting service in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.

Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to choose from when it comes to getting a key cut near me another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these advanced features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within a certain range of your car.

If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.

You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.