The History Of Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide range of keys and will help you get the right one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip which is needed to use the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on many affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key cutting price is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the mobile car key cutting, 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 black VATS pellet in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.

After a long period of use the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time the key is inserted. Over time the wires can start to break. When enough wires are broken, the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This method is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the car. They are also an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot or activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that is often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.

One method to safeguard a 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 remove the key fob from a case that is protected each time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or key cutting places hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only downside of using the traditional car key Cutting Places is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.

Some of these advanced features that come with the modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right 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 security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within a specific distance.

If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper 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 time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't start.