10 Places Where You Can Find Cut Car Key
Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the past 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips inside the handle of your key that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a huge range of keys and can help you find the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required to use the device.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.
Another type of key for cars that is 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 fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft however it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time the key is inserted. As time passes the wires can begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using the 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 can also be a good method to test a new key to see if it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that is often tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. websites are often used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties can pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who are buying an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case, you should always have a spare fob or key in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got 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 are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to add extra protection to their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.