Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer on board detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a vast range of keys and will help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. automotive key cutting near me can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades so that when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to 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 begins to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft however it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires may start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great way to test a brand new key and check whether it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge price for a device that is often tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.
To secure a smart card you can put it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent 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 newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
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 event, you should always have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to choose from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective when you're within a certain distance.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk and doors.
Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to protect their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is 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.