Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut new car key near me.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside the spare key cutting transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the right one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle that is required to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys cut in my area feature the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars too.
Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those found on modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires could begin 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 solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are visible on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great way to test a new key and see if it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start cars. They are also a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that is often jostled in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the case.
Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event, you should always have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. And if you 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 would spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key cutting cost. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been lost or broken it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with getting a new car key cut laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who wish to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.