car key cutting service near me Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny located in the key's handle which transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer onboard checks the serial number digitally of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can design car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed for the device to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) van key cutting is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip like those found on most modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however it could delay the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires can start to break. When enough wires are broken, the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs 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 method is also Getting a key cut Near me good way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or call it up by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a standard 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 one smart fob. It's a huge price for a product that is often jostled in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or even 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 need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Some newer policies, such as auto car key cutting near me club memberships as well as extended warranties, will pay for a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For most drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. It is always advisable to keep an extra key cut service or fob on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can open your locks and begin your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one cut from the blank.
There are several options to select from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures 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 another anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only work only when you're within certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to safeguard their automobiles. Typically, laser car key cutting near me cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.