Ten Cut Car Key Myths That Aren t Always The Truth

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car key cutting and programming, or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can make car keys with chips. They are also available at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.

Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached the key blades to them so that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message 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 starts to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time the key is placed. As time passes the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken, 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. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This method is also a great way to test the new key cutting services near me to determine whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the car. A lot of them come with 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, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one 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 extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.

To secure a smart card you can put it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you have to take your key fob out every time you use it from the protective case.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra fob or Key Cut Service in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd 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 certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.

There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while 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 sure that only the right key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within a specific distance.

If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with a standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key cut places near me, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut car keys near me cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.