Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips in the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars with chips. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is most common in high-end cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. key cut places near me can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time the key is inserted. Over time the wires can begin to break. Once enough wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This method is also a great way to test the new key to determine 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 function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking lot or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge price for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.
One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you need to take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case you should have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you would buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
There are a variety of options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to protect their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key and won't start.