Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping the metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. 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 essential to make it work.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. online located in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message 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 be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires can begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
nearest key cutting is also a great way to test the new key to determine if it will work in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that is often time in purses and pockets, where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on dealer charges 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 dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open 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 must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.
There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with a standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those looking to safeguard their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.