Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping the metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. You will need an alternative car nearest key cutting to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. 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 digital serial number of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. They are also available at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have a lock cylinder that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive Laser Key Cutting (Bbs.Pku.Edu.Cn) machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time a key is inserted. Over time, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the motorcycle key cutting, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This can also be a good method to test a new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. They also function as a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price to pay for a product that is often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case each time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto car key cutting near me club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers auto key cutting fob cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry 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 choice of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you would spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote 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 vehicle. If your traditional car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern types of keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with a standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut van keys cut near me are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.