Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the last 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. key cut near me open now feature the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as 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 black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those found on modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected the key blades to them so that when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time a key is placed. As time passes the wires can start to break. Once enough of the wires break then the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key 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 look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This method can also be a good method to test a new key to see whether it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that is often time in purses and pockets where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a case that is protected each time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
For most drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case you should have an extra fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different options to choose from when it comes to having another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design a new key with a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.
You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.