The Unspoken Secrets Of Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips in the handle of your key that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer onboard examines the digital serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to begin. This prevents thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. g28carkeys , like AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted 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 will start to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time the key is introduced. Over time, the wires may start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not begin.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This method is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that most 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 find your car in a parking lot and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends much of its time in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you need to remove your key fob each time you use it from the protective case.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob in case you misplace yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, provided you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you cut your keys there are a variety of options to pick from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
Another option is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are now a popular option for people who want to add extra protection to their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.