Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car checks the serial number digitally of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. auto key cutting machine have a lock cylinder that is much harder to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right 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 block of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car can start 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 may start to break. When enough wires break then the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and see whether it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the car. They can also be an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot or summon it by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also have to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a case that is protected each time you want to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you would buy from the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and open the car, provided you don't swap them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
There are several options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these advanced features that come with modern types of keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
You could also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for those looking to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.