Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the past 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are located in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car checks the serial number digitally of the chip prior to it allows the car to begin. This prevents thieves from stealing your car key cutting near me since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car key cutting near me's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be purchased at a few automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car key cutting near me prices. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to 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 vehicle theft proof, but it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each when the key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires break then the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.
This can also be a good method to test the new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the car. They can also be a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional features also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties, will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For the majority of drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. Always keep an extra key or fob in case you misplace yours. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith key cutting to have a new one made from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last cut your keys There are many options to choose from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
Another option is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who want to protect their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.