Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping the metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car checks the digital serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. key cut service prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. They are also available at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in choosing the right one for your car. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to make it work.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. cutting car keys near me have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time a key is inserted. As time passes the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can fix this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can find 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 great 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, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They also function as used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot or summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you need to remove your key fob each time you take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any case, you should always have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional 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, you will need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another option is to have the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.