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This History Behind Cut Car Key Can Haunt You Forever!
Car Key Cutting Explained

Car key cutting is more than just shaping the metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car key 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


If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip which is needed to use the device.

Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is most common in high-end cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.

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

VATS Keys

Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those found on modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades so that when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the 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. how you can help doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires could begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not begin.

The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, and then examine the display 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 whether it will work 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 work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs

Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. They are also an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.

Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time in pockets and purses, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.

One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to keep it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if have to take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the protective case.

Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.

The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.

There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it only work when it's within the distance of your car.

If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.

Another alternative is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.

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