Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your car. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is transmitted 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 begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires can start to break. When enough wires break then 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 fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. They are also used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your car in a parking space or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends much of its time in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if must take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the protective case.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties can cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision of whether to buy 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 a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to select from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within a specific distance of your car.
If click the following website decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new key using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to protect their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.