Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the last 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. They have a huge selection of keys, and can help you find the best one for your car. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
Another kind of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They connected the key blades to them so that when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft however it can delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time a key is placed. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a new key and determine if it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. They also function as used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a parking space and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.
Visit Web Page charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for something that is often time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are typically utilized 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.
To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case every time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase an extra key fob will depend on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is one piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get new keys cut from the blank.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can make the new key using the standard cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, 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 1990s and are now a popular option for those looking to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't receive the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.