Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are tiny located in the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip in your car key cutting locksmith near me sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a huge variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip, which is required for the device to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting car key machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
Another kind of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) spare key cutting. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key cutting price programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the mobile car key cutting near me. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as present in 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 resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key cut near me open now (Learn Even more Here) blades in a way that, when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft however it can delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time the key is introduced. As time passes the wires could start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine 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 determine whether it will work in your vehicle. 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 vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start a car. They are also used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot or call it up by pressing the button. This is more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that is often jostled in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it must be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.
Modern keys have advanced features, such as 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 or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are now a popular option for those who wish to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key and won't start.