You'll Never Guess This Cut Car Key's Benefits

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer checks the serial number digitally of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

local key cutting  in your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a variety of affordable cars as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type 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 expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

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

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time the key is inserted. As time passes the wires could start to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.

You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.

This is a great way to test out a new key and see if it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge price for a product that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case each time you need 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 and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.

For the majority of drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and start the car, provided you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.

There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within a specific distance.

If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design the new key using a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased 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 use your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.