Ten Cut Car Keys That Really Make Your Life Better
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips located in the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed to use the device.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles but is now accessible 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. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a car key cut and program near me that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached the key blades to them so that when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary however it could delay thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires can begin to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a new key and see whether it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing a button. This is more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or cut car keys exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if have to remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
For most drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys there are a variety of alternatives to select from when it comes to having another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.
Some of these modern features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the distance of your car.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and cut car keys trunk.
Another option is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to protect their automobiles. Typically, laser Cut car Keys keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.
