20 Things Only The Most Devoted Cut Car Key Fans Are Aware Of

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer checks the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the right 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 that are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars too.

Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the 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 however it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time a key is inserted. As time passes the wires could begin to break. When enough wires have been 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 need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.

This is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key cutter may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start the car. They also function as used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking space, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key 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 can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob every time you take it out of the protective case.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as 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 dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers 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. In any event, you should always have an extra fob or key in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key cutting price key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional key cutting services near me is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an 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 had your keys cut, there are several different options to choose from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures 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 security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a specific range of your car.

If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who want to secure their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.