Ten Cut Car Keys That Really Change Your Life

Car sidewinder key cutting Cutting Explained

cutting car key a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and send 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 correct one. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of 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 which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can help you find the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip, which is required to operate the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.

Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached the key blades to them so that when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on 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 fifteen to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every when the key is placed. Over time the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and determine if it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. They also function as a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that's often jostled in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.

One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to put it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you want to take it out of the protective case.

Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob 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 who offers 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. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would pay at a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart automotive key cutting near me; Resource, or remote key cutting services. The only downside of using an old-fashioned 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 the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.

You have a few choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.

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. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a specific distance of your car.

If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

Another option is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.