Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just forming the metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
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 located in the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle, which is required to operate the device.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys feature an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. car key cutting near me feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those used in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal 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 does not make a car safe from burglary however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time the key is inserted. As time passes the wires could 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 solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. 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 a great opportunity to test a brand new key and determine if it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start cars. They can also be an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry or activate it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. automotive key cutting near me are usually paired with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a case that is protected each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with the modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate 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 use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to secure their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.