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Why Cut Car Key Is A Must At Least Once In Your Lifetime
Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.

The microchip inside your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.

There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.

Another type of car key that's 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 one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before the days of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.

After a long period of use, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every time the key is introduced. Over time, the wires may start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.

The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using 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 way to test a new key and determine whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge price for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.

To protect a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case every time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.

Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.

The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case you should have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.

g28carkeys of these modern features that come with the modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within a specific distance.

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


Another alternative is to get your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who want to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.

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