3 Ways The Cut Car Key Can Affect Your Life

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips in the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required for it to function.

There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in many affordable models of cars too.

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

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on the ignition, a 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 however it can delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car could 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 will not start.

You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

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

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or a dedicated 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.

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

For most drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If  simply click the next website  has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. 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 features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within a certain range of your car.

If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to secure their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.