You'll Never Guess This Cut Car Key's Tricks

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer on board reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

The microchip in your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can make keys for cars with chips. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.

There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen 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 special key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that when the key is turned on, a coded message 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 begins to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time the key is introduced. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a 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 opportunity to test out a new key and check whether it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start cars.  read what he said  have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case every time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

For the majority of drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

There are several options to select from based on how long it has been since you've were able to cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these features that come with the modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create a new key with a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.