The Secret Life Of Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The computer in the car is able to verify the serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to begin. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an informational 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 right one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed for the device to function.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is most common in high-end cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every when the key is inserted. Over time the wires can start to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and determine if it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. nearest key cutting can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot or activate it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high price for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if must remove your key fob every time you want to use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case, you should always have an extra fob or key in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional 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 need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you had your keys cut There are many alternatives to choose from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within the distance of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those looking to safeguard 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 present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key, and will not start.