Ten Myths About Cut Car Key That Aren't Always True
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car examines the serial number digitally of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This prevents thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create car keys with chips. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a vast variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to use it.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a variety of affordable cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time a key is inserted. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires break, the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start the car. They can also be an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. mobile key cutting is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that is often time in purses and pockets, where it can be easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob each time you use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event, you should always have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
You have a few choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the distance of your car.
If you choose to make use of 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 less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
Another option is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for people who want to provide extra security to their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key and won't start.