Test: How Much Do You Know About Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car theft 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 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 this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can help you find the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed 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 another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder Getting keys cut and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. 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 simply carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and over time the wires can start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.

You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are sticking 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 a great method to test a brand new key and see whether 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 function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is 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 require to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart van key cutting fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto key cutting club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase a new key cutting services fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. Always keep a spare car key cutting fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you'd pay at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within a specific distance.

If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many 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 get your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If the 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.