10 Tips For Quickly Getting Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.
key cutter for cars is not unusual to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips located in the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now being used in many affordable models of cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is transmitted 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 secure from burglary however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires can begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.
cutting car keys can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. 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 examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This method is also a good way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. 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 standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends a lot of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case every time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties, will cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case, you should always have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made from the blank.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.