Ten Cut Car Key Myths That Aren t Always True

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Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer on board detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys cutting near me with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive key cutting near me stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip, which is required for the device to function.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition, a 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 doesn't make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time the key is inserted. Over time the wires could start to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.

This is a great method to test out a new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends much of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.

One way to protect a smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a case that is protected each time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event you should have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only downside of using a traditional car key cutting cost is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys There are many options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within a certain range of your car.

If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design the new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your standard keys to your mobile car key cutting with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those looking to secure their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.