10 Life Lessons We Can Take From Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is much more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can design car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This doesn't make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every when the key is introduced. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough of the wires break, the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key. Then examine  get car key cut  of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.

This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and see if it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge price to pay for a product that is often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.

One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you need to remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the protective case.

Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick 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 a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.

Depending on how much time has passed since you last cut your keys there are a variety of options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.

Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only work when you're within a certain distance.

If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design the new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.

Another alternative is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.