Ten Cut Car Keys That Really Improve Your Life
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming the metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle, you will need a new 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 use it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They are also available at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed to operate the device.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent 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 does not make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module may start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires could start to break. When enough wires are broken, the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This method is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price for a device that's often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the protective case.
Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties will cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
For most drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has grooves Cut Car Keys into it to fit a specific lock. They can open your locks and start your car key cuts near me, provided you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.
There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.
Some of these features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and Cut Car Keys are now a popular option for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.
