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 complex procedure that ensures security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer checks the digital serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle 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 that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle that is required to use the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having a lock that is harder to pick. 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 accessible on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles 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 pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not a chip like those present in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every time a key is placed. As time passes the wires can begin to break. Once enough of the 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. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a new key and check if it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is getting a new car key cut significant amount to pay for something that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to put it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case every time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car key cutter insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any event, you should always have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.
There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut Car keys keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to use a traditional standard key, cut car keys a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key, and will not start.
