Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are tiny in the key's handle which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car is able to verify the serial number of the chip before it allows the car to begin. automobile keys made near me stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip in your car key sends an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars with chips. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to use it.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to 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 doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time a key is placed. As time passes the wires can begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out 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 hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key.
This is a great way to test a new key and check whether it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start cars. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.
One way to protect a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you must take your key fob out every time you use it from the case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last cut your keys There are many alternatives to select from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those looking to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.