Car Key Cutting Explained
cutting car keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car key cutting near me was manufactured within the past 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The computer on board reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the van key cutting sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. They have a vast range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.
Another kind of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not meant to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time a key is inserted. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car won't begin.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance of your key.
This can also be a good method to test a new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They can also be used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing a button. This is more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price for a product that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter nearby.
To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you must take your key fob out every time you use it from the protective case.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties will pay for an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get a car key cut near me your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith 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. You should always keep a spare key or fob in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys there are a variety of options to pick from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these features that come with the modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within a specific distance of your car.
If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using a standard cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk and doors.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.