Ten Cut Car Keys That Really Change Your Life
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your car key cut at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. They have a vast range of keys and will help you get the right one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistances for the 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 the signal 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 safe from theft however it can delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may begin 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 could start to break. Once enough of the wires break, the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key.
This method can also be a good method to test the new key to determine whether it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start a car key cut price. They also function as an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you find your vehicle in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and Cut Car Keys trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than what you would buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.
There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption and cut car keys other security mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create the new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser Cut car keys version that has an unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to protect their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.
