Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just shaping the metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They are also available at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is transmitted 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time a key is placed. Over time the wires could start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.
This can also be a good method to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the car. They can also be a security device and a theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot or call it up by pressing the button. This is more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For most drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any event, you should always have a spare fob or key in case you lose it. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than what you would buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. key cut places near me can unlock your locks and open the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut There are many options available for you to pick from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. laser key cutting near me ensures that only the correct key is used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. 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 make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk, locks and doors.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to provide extra security to their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If car keys cut and programmed aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.