Ten Common Misconceptions About Cut Car Key That Aren t Always True

Car Key Cutting Explained

cutting car keys near me a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a large range of keys and can help you find the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip that is required for the device to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These 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 vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is sent 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 turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.

You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.

This method is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to aid in locating your car in a lot or call it up by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends much of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case every time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who cuts car keys near me are buying a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, provided you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.

Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut there are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to getting another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.

If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design the new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice 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 work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.