This History Behind Cut Car Key Will Haunt You Forever!

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips in the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. 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 bought at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can help you find the best one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars too.

Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.

get more info  used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it can delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every when the key is introduced. Over time the wires could begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.

You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is also a good way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start a car. They can also be an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost.  automotive key cutting near me  can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

For most drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd spend at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you cut your keys, there are several different options to pick from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within the range of your car.

If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to add extra protection to their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key and won't start.