Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips located in the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip which is needed to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.
Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. Going On this site are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with 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 ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones found on modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every when the key is introduced. As time passes the wires can begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken then the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge price to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you need to remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made 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 choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create the new key using a standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your locks, trunk and doors.
Another option is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.