5 Lessons You Can Learn From Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The onboard computer checks the digital serial number of the chip before it allows 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 in your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded 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 stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle, which is required to use the device.
You can also purchase 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 machines or with specially designed software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now being used in many affordable models of automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades so that when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside 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.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test a new key and check whether it works in your car. Make sure automotive key cutting near me remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry or summon it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
car key cutting near me charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a case that is protected each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties will cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of options to select from when it comes to having another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another option is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.