10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Cut Car Key

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.

It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the handle of your key which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed to use the device.

You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now available in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.

Another type of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

VATS Keys

Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles 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 internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.

GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to 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 turn on and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires could start to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost 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 difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.

This method is also a great way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs for Keys

Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start a car. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most 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 from another transmitter close to.

One method of protecting the key fob's RFID 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 must take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the protective case.

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

what google did to me  of whether to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case you should have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.

Traditional Keys

The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.

Depending on how long has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to pick from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.

Some of these modern features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within a specific distance.

If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can 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 a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.