Ten Cut Car Key Myths You Shouldn t Post On Twitter

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip prior to giving the car key cut permission to start. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at some automotive key cutting near me retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have 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 technology is most commonly found in high-end cars, but is now available on many affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches 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 does not make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time a key is placed. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.

You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are visible 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 out a new key and determine whether it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the car. They also function as an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where it could 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. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if must take your key fob out every time you need to take it out of the protective case.

Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties, will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For most drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would buy from the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, assuming you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you cut your keys, there are several different options available for you to choose from when it comes to having another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these advanced features that come with the modern-day keys cut and programmed near me include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right sidewinder key cutting can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the distance of your vehicle.

If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one using a standard van key cutting cutter machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

Another option is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who want to protect their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.