Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips in the key's handle which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer onboard checks the digital serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip that is required to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles, but is now available on many affordable models.
Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that 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 confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each when the key is introduced. As time passes the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.
This can also be a good method to test a new key to see if it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.
One method of protecting a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if have to remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the protective case.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties, will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would pay at a dealership.
car key cuts near me is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't changed them out to a smart 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 has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of options to select from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a certain range of your car.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make a new key with an ordinary 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.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.