Unexpected Business Strategies Helped Cut Car Key Succeed

Car Key Cutting Explained

Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality and the longevity of keys.

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

Transponder Keys

Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the key's handle which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.

The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.

Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required to operate the device.

There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is most common in high-end cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.

The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor 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 specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.

Keys to VATS

Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.

GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades so that, when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent 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 isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it can delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each when the key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.

You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. 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 see if it will work in your car. 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 today do more than just unlock or start the car. They are also an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.

In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.

To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case every time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.

Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.

For  Get More Information  who are buying an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob in case you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would pay at the dealership.

Traditional Keys

The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you don't swap them out 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 has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.

There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.

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 take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.

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

Another alternative is to get your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.