A Peek At The Secrets Of Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer onboard checks the serial number digitally of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a large range of keys and can help you find the right one for your car. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to make it work.

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

Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message 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 does not make a car safe from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot 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 with time, the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.

The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great method to test a new key and see if it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that is often time snagging around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.

To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case.  car key cutting and programming  will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you have to take your key fob out every time you want to take it out of the protective case.

Some newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties, will cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, assuming 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 have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these modern features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within the distance of your vehicle.

If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.

Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.