The Hidden Secrets Of Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and see whether it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry or summon it by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, car key cutting and programming near me that added capabilities also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, 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 dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In local key cutting is advisable to keep a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. locksmith key cutting offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you would pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different options to select from when it comes to having another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features like 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 embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
Another option is to have your standard car key replaced 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 people who want to add extra protection to their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key and won't start.