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Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was built within the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer checks the serial number digitally of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the onboard computer of the car key cutting and programming. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required to use the device.

You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key Cutting (Www.metooo.com) machines or special software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in many affordable models of automobiles as well.

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

VATS Keys

Before the advent 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 utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent 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 turn on and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft however it can delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires could begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.

You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

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

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. 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 gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if must remove your key fob every time you take it out of the protective case.

Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case, you should always have a spare car key cutting key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys There are many options available for you to pick from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

Some of these features that come with modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it only work when it's within a specific range of your car.

If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.

Another option is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.