Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These chips are small microchips inside the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
keys cut near me now in your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a 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 taking cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can design car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors 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.
Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time a key is inserted. As time passes the wires can begin to break. Once enough 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 problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test out a new key and see if it works 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 not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They are also a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking space and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional features can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you have to take your key fob out every time you take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
For most drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of 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 new keys cut 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 to getting another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. get keys cut is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you can still operate your trunk, locks and doors.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.