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 process that guarantees security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips in the key's handle which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer examines the digital serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. 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. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the right one for your vehicle. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
Laser Cut Car Keys keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is most common in luxury cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of a VATS key is not a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time a key is placed. As time passes the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are 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 by using the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, 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 if it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start the car. They can also be an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your vehicle 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 can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a case that is protected each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that 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 starter functions are. In any event, you should always have an extra fob or key cut for car in case in case you lose it. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional 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. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and cut car keys anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated 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 decide to use a traditional, cut car keys standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.
