Car Key Cutting Explained
car keys cut and programmed key cutting car keys near me is a lot more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips located in the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer checks the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to start. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip, which is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This type of technology is typically 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 another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires can start to break. When enough wires break 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 problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using a multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start cars. They can also be a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that spends much of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
One way to protect a smart key fob is to put it in an aluminum case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a case that is protected each time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers spare key cutting-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and start the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you cut your keys There are many alternatives to select from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with the modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to connect with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.