Ten Cut Car Keys That Really Help You Live Better

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated 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. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to use it.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars as well.

Another kind of car key cutting machine key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor cut car keys on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with 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 could delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each when the key is introduced. As time passes the wires could start to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.

This is a great method to test a brand new key and determine if it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start cars. They can also be used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends much of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.

To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case every time you want to make use of it is a hassle and Cut Car Keys a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Some newer policies like auto club memberships as well as 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 the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case you should have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have a new one Cut Car Keys from the blank.

You have a few options to select from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within a specific distance.

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

Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for people who want to add extra protection to their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.