Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer on board reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned on, a coded message is sent to the module. If it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after getting a key cut near me of usage, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time the key is placed. Over time the wires can start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to see if it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They can also be an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob each time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties, will cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case you should have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, assuming you don't swap them out 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 car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.
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 open locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design the new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to safeguard their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.