The Secret Life Of Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. key car cutting will recognize this code and will only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip that is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to stop 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 can only be found at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time a key is placed. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter 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 vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the car. They can also be an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking space or let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that's often jostled in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One way to protect a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event you should have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
There are several options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a specific distance of your car.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those looking to safeguard their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.