Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key 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
If your car was built in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer onboard checks the serial number digitally of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would 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 car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your vehicle. mobile key cutting near me can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now available in a variety of affordable cars too.
Another kind of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected the key blades to them so that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof however it can delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every time the key is inserted. Over time, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. They also function as an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends much of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you need to take your key fob out every time you use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and are now a popular option for those looking to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.