Ten Cut Car Keys That Really Help You Live Better

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than just shaping an object of 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 even have them break into the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car keys cutting. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine starts to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time the key is placed. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and check if it works in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start a car. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot or activate it by pressing a button. This is more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price for a device that's often tossed around in pockets and cut car keys purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.

To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.

The decision to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event you should have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

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

There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-Cut Car keys keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective when you're within a certain distance.

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

Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.