Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips located in the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car examines the serial number digitally of the chip before it allows the car to start. This prevents car theft since thieves 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 the microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can make car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed for the device to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars too.
Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and 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 a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. cut car key near me in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition, a 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 turn on and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module 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 can begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your 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 of metal on both sides of your key.
This method is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start a car. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. cut key for car 's a steep cost to pay for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.
To protect a smart fob, you can store 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 its case that is protected each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships or extended warranties will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it's 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 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. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open 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 disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since you last cut your keys there are a variety of options available for you to select from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
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 pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could create a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.