Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into 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 installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer on board detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create car keys with chips. They are also available at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
mobile key cutting near me
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
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 signal is sent to module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof, but it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time a key is inserted. As time passes the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken then the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter as well as 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 prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This can also be a good method to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional features can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it is easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card you can put it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can cover the cost of an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision to purchase a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd buy from a 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 specific locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to pick from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to protect their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals from the key and won't be able to start.