The Secret Secrets Of Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones 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 the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that, when the key is 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 vehicle theft proof, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car can begin 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 begin to break. Once enough 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 issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key.

This method is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. They can also be an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry or call it up 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 because of their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep price for a device that is often tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To secure a smart card you can put it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Some newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties, will cover the cost of an additional fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob in case you misplace yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than 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 in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If  key cut place  has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.

There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.

Some of these features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within certain distance.

If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.