Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or have them break 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 built in the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These chips are tiny microchips located in the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order 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 that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can design car keys with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. They have a huge 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 required for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. had me going are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now accessible in many affordable models of cars too.
Another kind of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. key cutting price feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not designed to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips 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 black pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft however it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module may start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires could begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are 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 out a new key and see whether it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. If not, the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start cars. They are also an alarm system and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty insurance policies will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer 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, you should always have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. had me going 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 damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have a new one made from the blank.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these modern features that come with the modern types of keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys 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 work when you're within a certain distance.
If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you can still operate your locks, trunk and doors.
You can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for people who want to add extra protection to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only 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 start.