Ten Cut Car Keys That Really Help You Live Better

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a huge selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.

Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, cut car keys then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however it could delay thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires can begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

You can resolve this issue at home 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 that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and check whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start cars. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends much of its time in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.

One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to store it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you have to remove your key fob each time you use it from the case.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or Cut Car Keys pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut Car keys at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case you should have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd spend at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different options to pick from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific distance of your car key cutting cost.

If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors.

Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key, and will not start.