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 unusual to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips located in the handle of your key that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be purchased 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 vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars too.
Another type of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys, it's simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected the key's blade to ensure 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 resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine starts to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you need 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 read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. 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 a button. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that is often time in purses and pockets, where it can be easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case every time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships or extended warranties will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.
For most drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by a remote cheapest key cutting near me or smart key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser car key Cutting service Near me-cut with added security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective when you're within a certain distance.
If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you can still operate your locks, trunk, and doors.
Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys cut and programmed near me substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals sent by the vw key cut by vin near me.