Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car you'll need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The computer in the car checks the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This prevents car thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create keys for cars with chips. They are also available at a few automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars, but is now available on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the van key cutting. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal 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 vehicle secure from theft however it can delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each when the key is inserted. As time passes the wires can start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car will not 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 with a multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key.
This is a great way to test a brand new key and see whether it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the car. They also function as used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners may not even know about. 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 a lot more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. It's a steep price for a device that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One way to protect a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies and auto key cutting near me club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost to get a key cut of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase a new key cutting services fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that is roughly 50% less than what 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 unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut, there are several different options to choose from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make the 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 be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut new car key Near me version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular option for those who want to secure their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.