Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. laser key cutting near me is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips located in the key's handle which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
laser key cutting near me in your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. They are also available at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large range of keys and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor 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 secure from burglary, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time a key is inserted. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and check whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for something that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a case that is protected each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start the car, as long as you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your car key has been lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.
key cut places near me are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within the range of your car.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought at 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 option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.