5 Lessons You Can Learn From Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars 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 pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the sidewinder key cutting's blade, so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the 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 begins to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires can begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key cut near me open now by using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could be displaying 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 the car. They also function as a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing a button. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.
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, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car key cutting near me prices-insurance policies, auto car key cutting near me club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new spare car key cutting dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on how important your cheap car key cutting (here)'s keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you cut your keys, there are several different options to choose from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for people who want to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.