The Next Big Trend In The Cut Car Key Industry

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer onboard checks the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can make car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to use it.

There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat van keys cut near me. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) emergency key Cutting is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to 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 secure from theft, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

After a lot of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each when the key is placed. Over time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.

You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.

This method is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or Emergency Key Cutting as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your car in a lot or activate 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 functionality. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case every time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

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

The decision to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra key or Emergency Key cutting fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut There are many options available for you to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a certain range of your car.

If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for people who want to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.