Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny in the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits 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. automotive key cutting near me will recognize the code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to use it.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those found on modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached the key blades to them so that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent 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 most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires could start to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
car key cut is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This can also be a good method to test a new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or call it up by pressing the button. This is more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price for a device that is often jostled in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a case that is protected each time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal with grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Some 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. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you choose to make use of 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 less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk, locks, and doors.
Another option is to have 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 are now a popular option for people who want to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.