You ll Never Be Able To Figure Out This Cut Car Key s Tricks
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key that transmit an electronic signal 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 prior to giving the car permission to begin. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a vast variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because 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 is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, cut car Key GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to confirm that the right 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 used in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires could start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to see if it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start the car. They are also used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that is often jostled in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you must take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the case.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car key cut and programed's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event, you should always have a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you got your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your car key cutters and make it work only when it's within the distance of your car.
If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut car Key version that has an unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to protect their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.
