Five Things You Didn t Know About 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 guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car getting keys cut or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are in the handle of the key and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start when the key cutting cost is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.
Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the blade of the key, so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is 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 will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft however it can delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires could begin to break. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This method can also be a good method to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities also means 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 sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a case that is protected each time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. Always keep a spare key or fob in case you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional mobile car key cutting key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within the distance of your car.
If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car key cutting and programming, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key, and will not start.
