Ten Myths About Cut Car Key That Aren't Always True

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting services near me cutting is more than just forming the metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. 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. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip, which is required to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key cut place programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned on, a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal is in line with 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 vehicle safe from theft however it can delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time the key is inserted. Over time the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.

You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.

This is a great method to test out a new key and determine whether it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.

One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to put it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case every time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

The decision to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare car key cut fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your spare car key cutting near me key has been lost or broken you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

You have a few choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Some of these features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective when you're within a certain distance.

If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and laser key cutting trunk.

You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.