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Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The onboard computer examines the serial number digitally of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key, so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the 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 will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires can begin to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and see whether it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They can also be a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to help you locate your car in a lot or activate it by pressing a button. This is more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price for a device that is often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you need 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 coverages will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.

The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event you should have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you had your keys cut There are many options available for you to choose from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.

Modern keys have advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within certain distance.

If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.


Another option is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for people who want to provide extra security to their automobiles. Laser cut motorcycle key cutting come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key, and will not start.

Member since: Saturday, October 12, 2024

Website: https://termansen-saleh.thoughtlanes.net/mobile-car-key-cutter-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly

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