Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip in your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this 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 made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip, which is required to use the device.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a 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 costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few 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 utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to ensure 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 present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent to module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car safe from burglary however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time the key is inserted. Over time, the wires may start to break. When enough wires are broken then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test a brand new key and check whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start a car. They often have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. cheapest key cutting near me 's 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 need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob each time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships or extended warranties will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.
For most drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event, you should always have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it must be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to pick from when it comes to having another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate 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 function when it's within the range of your car.
If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
Another alternative is to get your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are a popular choice for people who want to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key, and will not start.