Five Things You ve Never Learned About Cut Car Key
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Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car checks the serial number digitally of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip inside your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the 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 "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They are also available at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a huge selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct cheap key cutting is being used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent 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 begins to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every when the key is inserted. Over time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.
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 the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key cutting business.
This is a great method to test out a new key and check whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start cars. They also function as a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case every time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, provided you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new car key cut keys cut from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the cheapest key cutting near me to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to protect their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.
