What You Need To Do With This Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside your car keys transmits a low-level 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 recognize this code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars with chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most common in luxury cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.

Another type of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

motorcycle key cutting  to VATS

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is sent 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time a key is placed. Over time the wires can start to break. When enough wires break then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.

This is a great way to test a new key and determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start cars. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry or summon it by pressing the button. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.

To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if need to remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the case.

Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event, you should always have an extra fob or key in case you lose it. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.

Depending on how long has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to select from when it comes time to get another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it only work when it's within the range of your car.

If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk, locks and doors.

You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.