Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just shaping the metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a 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 design car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip, which is required to use the device.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those found on modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time a key is inserted. Over time the wires can start to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and see whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They are also used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot or call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. laser key cutting near me are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge price for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One way to protect a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob each time you use it from the case.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
For most drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you would spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, provided you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within certain distance.
If car keys cut and programmed choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain 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 respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.