Ten Myths About Cut Car Key That Aren t Always True

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and longevity 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 vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can help you find the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed to use the device.

There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser van key cutting cutting car Keys near me equipment or specially designed software. This technology is most common in luxury cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the mobile key cutting's blade, so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be 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 begins to run. This isn't a way to 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 begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every when the key is introduced. As time passes, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.

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 that difficult. 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 method to test out a new key and see whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that is often time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto car key cutting near me club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case you should have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote sidewinder key cutting. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser key cutting near me-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these modern features that come with the modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only function when you're within a certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to protect their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.