15 Things Youve Never Known About Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off 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 manufactured within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip before giving the car permission to begin. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to make it work.
Laser cut car key cuts are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.
Another kind of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that 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 ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those found on modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time the key is inserted. Over time the wires could begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and determine if it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They often have 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 remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it is easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you have to remove your key fob each time you want to take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event, you should always have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys 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 open the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
Depending on how long has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and 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 one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks, and doors.
You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.