20 Things That Only The Most Devoted Cut Car Key Fans Know

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than simply shaping an object 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 keys or have them break through the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer onboard is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can help you find the right one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required to operate the device.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different 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 with one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to confirm that the right 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 used in modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time a key is introduced. As time passes the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.

The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.

This is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry or activate it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.

One way to protect the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Some newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.

The decision to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case, you should always have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than what you would buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional spare car key cut keys are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.

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

Some of these advanced features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work when you're within a certain distance.

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

You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.