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Car Key Cutting Explained

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


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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips located in the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip in your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can make car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed to use the device.

There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is most common in high-end cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade, so that when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft, but it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use, the VATS module can start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and over time the wires could begin to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. 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 is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. cheap key cutting can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that spends much of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.

To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience 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 dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it has to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.

Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective when you're within a certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who want to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually 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 be able to respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.

Member since: Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Website: https://meier-gregory.federatedjournals.com/why-nobody-cares-about-get-a-car-key-cut

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