Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer onboard examines the serial number digitally of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This prevents car thieves from taking over your vehicle since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required for the device to function.
laser cut car keys near me cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key cut service that's difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and cars that had computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not a chip like those found on modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached the key blades to them so that when the key is turned on, a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires could start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using a 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 a great method to test a brand new key and see if it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for something that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the emergency key cutting fob from its protective case every time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto key cutting machine club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys cut near me now can open your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last had your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one with a standard key cutting (Check This Out) machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk, locks, and doors.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to protect their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't start.