Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Cut Car Key?
Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming the metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are tiny in the key's handle which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be purchased 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 also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible 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. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those used in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is sent 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 begins to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time the key is placed. Over time the wires could begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test a new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. key cutting car have to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. key car cutting 's a huge price to pay for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card you can put it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case every time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case you should have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last cut your keys there are a variety of alternatives to pick from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which 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 key car cutting opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using the standard cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to provide extra security to their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.