Ten Cut Car Keys That Really Make Your Life Better

Car Key Cutting Explained

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

It is not unusual to lose your mobile car key cutter keys or have them break in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.

The microchip inside your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.

Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to module. If it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine starts to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof, but it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time a key is placed. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.

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

This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and see whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. 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 functionality. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.

One method of protecting the smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case every time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.

The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case you should have an extra fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to 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 lost or broken you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to choose from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these features that come with modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within a specific distance of your car.

If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design the new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk, locks, and doors.

Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to secure their vehicles. Typically, laser Cut Car Keys keys have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.