Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your vehicle you'll require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This prevents thieves from stealing your car since they'd need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start 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 made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that is only found at some locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was 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 like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades so that, when the key was turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft however it can delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start a car. They often have advanced features that most owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. mobile key cutting can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that spends much of its time in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if have to remove your key fob each time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last cut your keys there are a variety of alternatives to select from when it comes to getting another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional 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 utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.
Another option is to have your standard car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.