Ten Cut Car Keys That Really Help You Live Better

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and cut car keys transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

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

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every when the key is inserted. Over time, the wires may begin to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.

You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.

This method is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, cut car keys otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car key cutters near me.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start the car. They are also used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing the button. This is more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.

To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob each time you want to take it out of the protective case.

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

For most drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.

There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut car keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Some of these advanced features that come with the modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within certain distance.

If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.

Another alternative is to get your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.