Five Qualities That People Search For In Every Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

The microchip in your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed to use the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost to get a key cut models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key cutting open now. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and over time the wires can begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.

The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start a car keys cut and programmed. They are also a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you need to take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the protective case.

Some newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare key cutting fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different options to choose from when it comes to Getting Keys Cut another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within a specific distance.

If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.

Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are now a popular option for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.