Seven Reasons Why Cut Car Key Is So Important

Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The computer onboard examines the digital serial number of the chip before it allows the car to start. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can design cheap car key cutting keys with chips. They are also available at certain automotive key cutting near me stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle that is required to use the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in many affordable models of cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of getting a key cut near me regular key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time a key is inserted. As time passes the wires can start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This method can also be a good method to test a new key cut places near me to see if it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start a car. They also function as used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if must remove your key fob each time you want to take it out of the protective case.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep a spare car key cutting fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.

You have a few options to select from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.

Some of these modern features that come with modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it only work when it's within the distance of your vehicle.

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

Another alternative is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.