Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping the metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement motorcycle key cutting cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer onboard checks the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge selection of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in many affordable models of automobiles as well.
Another type of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that is only found 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 a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as found on most modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is sent to the 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires can begin to break. Once enough wires are 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. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your local key cutting, but it's not difficult at all. 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 good way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start cars. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that's often jostled in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you need to remove your key fob each time you want to take it out of the protective case.
Some newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties will pay for an additional fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get a car key cut near me your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of steel that has 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 traditional keys is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your car key has been lost or broken you'll need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut, there are several different options to choose from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your mobile car key cutting which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could create a new key with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those looking to protect their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.