Ten Cut Car Key Myths You Should Not Share On Twitter

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping the metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a huge variety of keys, and can help you find the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip that is required to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is most common in high-end cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key cutting locksmith near me with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key cutting open now is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the 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 turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it can delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car keys cut by code could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time the key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires are broken, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.

You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance of your key.

This is also a good way to test the new key cut place to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. They are also an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case every time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

For most drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you misplace yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys cut and programmed near me for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you don't swap them out to a smart 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 is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get 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. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within certain distance.

If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

Another option is to have the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't receive the signals coming from the key, and will not start.