15 Things You Don't Know About Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips in the handle of your key that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip, which is required for the device to function.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the 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, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time a key is placed. Over time the wires can begin to break. Once enough wires break then the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a new key and determine whether it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start the car. They can also be used as a security device and 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, emit noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that's often tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. keys cut for cars have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.
To protect a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
click here for info to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than what you would pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different options to choose from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. click here for info -theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to get your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.