15 Things You Don t Know About Cut Car Key
Car key cutting cost cutting car key Explained
Car key cutting key is a lot more than just shaping the metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips located in the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This stops 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 are also available at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is 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 luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.
Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that, when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every when the key is introduced. As time passes the wires could begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. You can find 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 see whether it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends much of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the protective case.
Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties will cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it must be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you cut your keys There are many options available for you to select from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific distance of your car.
If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are a popular choice for people who want to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.
