This Is How Cut Car Key Will Look Like In 10 Years Time

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.

It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or laser key cutting even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.

Transponder Keys

If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key cutting services and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer on board detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.

The microchip in 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 only begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.

Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers 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 selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle that is required to use the device.

There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars as well.

Another kind 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 any of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.

Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car could begin 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 could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.

The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.

This method is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether 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 not work in your vehicle.

Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys

Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the car. They also function as a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.

In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob each time you need to take it out of the protective case.

Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, laser key cutting will cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.

For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case you should have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would spend at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.

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

Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific range of your car.

If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key cutting price fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.

You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with getting a new car key cut unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.