Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. These stores offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program your car's chip, which is required to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now available in a variety of affordable cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal 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 isn't a way to make a car safe from theft however it will delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each time the key is placed. Over time, the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken 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 yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If key cutting services near me could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start cars. They are also an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking space or allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. That's a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also require to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge price for a device that's frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if must take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the protective case.
Some newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will cover the cost of replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
For most drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend 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 key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you would pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one created.
There are a variety of options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.