Unexpected Business Strategies That Helped Cut Car Key Succeed

Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not unusual to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are tiny in the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.

The microchip in your online car key cutting key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a large range of keys and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip, which is required to use the device.

You can locksmith cut car keys also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting price cutting (read the article) equipment or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.

Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned on, a coded message is sent to module. If the signal is in line with 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 doesn't make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires may start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.

You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the car. They also function as used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking space or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends a lot of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.

One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto key cutting machine club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key cutting services near me-fob cloning services.

The decision of whether to buy a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.

There are several options to select from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create 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 keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific range of your car.

If you choose to use a conventional, 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 a key fob or transponder, and you are still able to operate your locks, trunk and doors.

Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to secure 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 vehicle they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.