Here's An Interesting Fact About Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key.  key cutting car  examines the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This stops thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires may start to break. When enough wires break the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.

You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.

This is a great method to test a new key and see whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. They are also an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.

One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if must take your key fob out every time you take it out of the protective case.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.

The decision to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than what you would pay at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.

There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these advanced features that come with modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within certain distance.

If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.