Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create car keys with chips. They can also be bought at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can help you find the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed to use the device.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to the 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 will start 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 long period of use the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires could begin to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This method is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start a car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a theft deterrent. keys cut near me now can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets where it is easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you need to take your key fob out every time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk, locks, and doors.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those looking to secure their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals coming from the key, and will not start.