7 Secrets About Cut Car Key That No One Will Tell You

Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle that is required for the device to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor 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 designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used 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 the VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and over time the wires can start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not begin.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and see if it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot or activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, cheapest key cutting near me can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends much of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to pick from when it comes to having another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these modern features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a certain range of your car.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.
Another alternative is to get your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.