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 sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car is able to verify the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This prevents car key cut price theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can make car keys with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys 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 with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to 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 starts to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time a key is placed. As time passes the wires could start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken, the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to see if it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge up to $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 damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case you should have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using a traditional key cutting for cars is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
Depending on how long has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different alternatives to pick from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key using a standard key cutter machine, cut car keys which is available at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut car keys (click the up coming article) version that has an unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who want to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.
