Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your mobile car key cutting keys or have them break in the lock. You will need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny in the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car examines the serial number digitally of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This stops thieves from stealing your car 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. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can help you find the right one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to use it.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a variety of affordable cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 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 the key blades transmit a coded message 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 theft, but it will delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This can also be a good method to test a new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot or call it up by pressing the button. This is a lot more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge price for a device that's frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.
One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case every time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional keys cut in my area
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you got your keys cut there are a variety of options to select from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain automobile keys made near me are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser key cutting near me-cut with added security features.
Some of these features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key cutting business is used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can make a new one using a standard key cutter (have a peek here) machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you are still able to operate 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 early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to secure their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't receive the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.