Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than simply shaping the metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you press the key. The computer on board reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the right one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle, which is required to use the device.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.
Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. They 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 and cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades so that when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent to module. If the signal matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft, but it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved every when the key is introduced. As time passes the wires could begin to break. When enough wires break then the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. auto key cutting machine 's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. laser key cutting near me have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great way to test out a new key and see if it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They can also be an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. key cut places near me have to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge price for a product that is often jostled in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting a smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its protective case each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut, there are several different options to select from when it comes time to get another copy. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to provide extra security to their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.