Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car examines the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip that is required to use the device.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional 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. 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 is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another type of car key that's difficult 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 fifteen possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and over time the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. 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 is a great way to test out a new key and check whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They also function as used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing a button. This is more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. keys cut near me now require to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you use it from the case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a 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 traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.
You have a few choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these advanced features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.