Ten Cut Car Keys That Really Help You Live Better

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny inside the key's handle which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct 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 in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in 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 in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip 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 blade of the key so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires can start to break. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll require 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 place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.

This method can also be a good method to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets where it is easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.

One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to put it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you want to use it from the case.

Certain policies that are more recent, cut car keys such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare car keys cut fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than what you would buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since the last time you got your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to pick from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut car keys keys that are made with security features in mind.

Some of these features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within certain distance.

If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.