Ten Cut Car Keys That Really Make Your Life Better

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars 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 unusual to lose your car keys or cut car keys even have them break into the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips located in the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip before it allows the car to start. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip that is required for the device to function.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now being used in many affordable models of cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys or cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires could begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.

The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great method to test out a new key and check whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the car. They are also a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking lot or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

One way to protect a smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or a dedicated 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.

Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.

The decision to purchase a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case, you should always have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you would spend at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of options to select from when it comes time to get another copy. 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. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective when you're within a certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your standard keys to your car keys cut and programmed with a laser-cut car keys (click the next internet page) version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.