Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping the metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use 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
Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips located in the key's handle which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer 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 stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They 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 with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now available in a variety of affordable cars too.
look at more info of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a 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 black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car theft proof however it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires can begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great way to test a new key and determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard 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. That's a lot to pay for something that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks 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.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For most drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand 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. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. key cut place near me will unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote 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 key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within the range of your car.
If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.