Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming an object of metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer examines the serial number digitally of the chip prior to it allows 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 in the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be purchased at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. They have a huge range of keys and can help you find the right one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.
There are also laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting (navigate to this site) machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of sidewinder key cutting that is difficult to duplicate. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached the vw key cut by vin near me's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time the key is inserted. Over time the wires can begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken 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 fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.
This method can also be a good method to test a new key to see if it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They can also be an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to activate it by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a product that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case every time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare key cutting key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since you last cut your keys, there are several different options to choose from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your locks, trunk, and doors.
Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.