Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits 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 will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. They are also available at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
Another type of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle 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 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 makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with 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 least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time a key is placed. As time passes, 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 issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.
This method is also a great way to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that many 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, emit sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking space or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To secure car key cutting near me can put it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you need to take your key fob out every time you use it from the protective case.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision to buy a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep a spare key or fob in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with a remote key or smart 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 a new one cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you cut your keys, there are several different alternatives to select from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific distance of your car.
If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who want to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.