15 Things You ve Never Known About Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The computer onboard is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. They have a vast range of keys and will help you get the right one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.

There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.

Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days of transponder Getting keys cut and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.

This is a great method to test a brand new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start a car. They can also be a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring 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 when you're in a hurry or call it up by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also need 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 product that spends much of its time snagging around in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including 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 safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a case that is protected each time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships and extended warranties, will cover the cost to get car key cut of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new car dealer fees 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. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with an electronic double sided key cutting near me 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 key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to select from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start 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 embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only effective when you're within a certain distance.

If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or 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 with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to protect their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key, and will not start.