Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you are 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's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car key cutting service near me to start if it's the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. They are also available at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor on the key cut place near me blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific local key cutting programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with 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 does not make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time the key is placed. Over time the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great method to test a new key and determine whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to aid in locating your car in a lot or call it up by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge price for a product that is often tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must take your key fob out every time you take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.
You have a few choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or transponder, and you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car key cutting near me prices it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't start.