Ten Cut Car Keys That Really Make Your Life Better

Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not uncommon 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'll require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are tiny in the key cut for car near me's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside the key cut places near me transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some cheap car key cutting near me dealers, like AutoZone sell them. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the right one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to use it.

You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars as well.

Another type of key for cars that is hard 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 potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard Key cutting open now with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal matches 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 does not make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to twenty 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 moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires could begin to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.

This can also be a good method to test a new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking space, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting a smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you need to remove your key fob every time you want to use it from the case.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.

You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only effective when you're within a certain distance.

If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you can still operate your locks, trunk and doors.

You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.