Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just forming the metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The onboard computer examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to allowing the car to begin. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys cut and programmed near me with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores have a large range of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle that is required for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They 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 the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and over time the wires can begin to break. When enough wires break then the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a high price for a product that is often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card you can put it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from a protective case each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto car key cutting near me club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, provided you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a car key cut near me new keys cut from the blank.
There are several options to select from based on how long it's been since you've cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right nearest key cutting can be used to open your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within a certain range of your car.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to protect their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key, and will not start.