Five Reasons To Join An Online Cut Car Key Business And 5 Reasons To Not

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.

It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Locksmiths who provide these services can make keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required to use the device.

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

Another kind of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that when the key was turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message 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 secure from burglary however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. 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 new key and check whether it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.

Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it is easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.

One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you have to remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the case.

Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships or extended warranties can cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

For most drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. Always keep  G28CarKeys  or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. 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. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than 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 cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will open your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut There are many options available for you to pick from when it comes time to get another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.

Some of these advanced features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function when you're within a certain distance.

If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk, locks, and doors.

Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for people who want to provide extra security to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.