Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. These stores have a large range of keys and can help you find the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required to use the device.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This technology is more common in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those found on modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the 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 starts to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved each time a key is placed. Over time the wires could start to break. Once enough of the wires break then the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance of your key.
This is a great way to test a new key and determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In laser key cutting near me that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. They are also an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if must take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the protective case.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that they only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you can still operate your trunk, locks, and doors.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those looking to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't be able to start.