15 Things You Don't Know About Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are tiny located in the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer onboard examines the serial number digitally of the chip before it allows the car to start. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within 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 if it is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars with chips. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing 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. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars as well.

key cutting cost  (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected the key's blade, so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the 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 start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This method is also a great way to test the new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the car. They can also be used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or call it up by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price to pay for a product that is often jostled in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One way to protect a smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships and extended warranties will cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it is 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 dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case you should have an extra fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.

There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Some of these modern features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within a certain distance of your car.

If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with a standard cutter machine that is available 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 operate your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.