Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder key cutting near me [http://dancelover.tv] chip. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer on board detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be bought at a few automotive key cutting near me stores like AutoZone. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip which is needed for the device to function.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.
Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not designed to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time the key is placed. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and see whether 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 of today do more than just unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a case that is protected each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to buy a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you don't swap them out to a smart or remote 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 car key cutting near me prices key is lost or broken you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
You have a few options places to get keys cut near me choose from depending on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these features that come with modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within the range of your car.
If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.