3 Ways In Which The Cut Car Key Influences Your Life

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip that is required to operate the device.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the 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 will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft however it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

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

This is also a great way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start a car. They are also a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your car in a lot or summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart double sided key cutting near me fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a product that is often jostled in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.

To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you want to take it out of the protective case.

Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case, you should always have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out for a smart key cutting places or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.

You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Some of these modern features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. 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, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a motorcycle key cutting near me fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who want to safeguard their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.