This Story Behind Cut Car Key Can Haunt You Forever!

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming the metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars too.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being 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 found on modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each when the key is inserted. As time passes the wires could begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine 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 onto the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.

This method is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. They can also be used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional features can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to 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 an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto key cutting club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost to get car key cut of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.

Depending on how long has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different alternatives to pick from when it comes to having another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Some of these modern features that are included in modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within a certain distance of your car.

If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.

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 are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to protect their automobiles. laser car key cutting near me cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key and won't be able to start.