Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer is able to verify the serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside your car key transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional 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 using expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in many affordable models of automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different 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 potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected them to key blades so that when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to 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 begins to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your automobile key cutting near me, but it is not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This method is also a good way to test a new key to see if it will work in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that spends a lot of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if have to remove your key fob each time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare car key cut fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key has been lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to pick from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the range of your car.
If you opt to use a traditional standard nearest key cutting, a locksmith could create a new one using a standard key cutter [Internet Page] machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than 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 the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key, and will not start.