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Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.

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 key's handle which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car checks the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed to operate the device.

You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.

Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.

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 in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires can begin to break. When enough wires break the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.

This can also be a good method to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a high price for a product that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.

To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case every time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

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

For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In car key cutting and programming , you should always have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would 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 designed to fit certain locks. They can open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.

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

Some of these features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within certain distance.

If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional car keys 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 looking to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.

Member since: Thursday, October 17, 2024

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