Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break through the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can make car keys with chips. They are also available at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a huge range of keys and can help you find the right one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in many affordable models of automobiles as well.
Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades so that, when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time the key is inserted. As time passes the wires could begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. key cutting car 's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal 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 is a great method to test a new key and see whether it will work 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 car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the car. They also function as a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
key car cutting of protecting a smart key fob is to store it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the case.
Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. They can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you don't replace them with a remote key or smart 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 traditional key is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.
You have a few choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.