15 Things You Didn't Know About Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny in the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops "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 bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.

You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now available in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.

Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system 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. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to provide 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 the 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 begins to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and over time the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. 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, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.

This is a great method to test a brand new key and determine if it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the car. They are also a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that is often jostled in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting a smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the case.

Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships or extended warranties can pay for a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks.  their explanation  can open your locks and also start the car, assuming you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different alternatives to pick from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Some of these modern features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within the distance of your car.

If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely 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 use your doors, locks and trunk.

Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.