Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip inside your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. cost to get a key cut will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create car keys with chips. They are also available at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. replacement car key cutting have a large range of keys and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end cars, 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 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 the car from starting that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles 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 with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to provide an 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 on 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 starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time a key is introduced. As time passes the wires could start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the metal prongs that are sticking out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.
This method can also be a good method to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They can also be a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price to pay for a device that's often jostled in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings through false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if must remove your key fob each time you want to take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For most drivers who want to buy an extra key fob will depend on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you would pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut with 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. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips that are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you choose to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make the new key using the standard cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you can still operate your locks, trunk and doors.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car, it won't respond to the signals emanating from the key, and will not start.