Seven Explanations On Why Cut Car Key Is So Important
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed to use the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades so that when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches 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 isn't a way to make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires can begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car key cutting machine will not start.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or clone start cars. They are also an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking space, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that is often time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
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 prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties, will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and Clone entry functions. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is lost, Clone broken or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with the modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within the range of your car.
If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
Another option is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.
