Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cut ting is much more than simply shaping a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are small microchips in the handle of your key that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can make car keys with chips. Click Link like AutoZone offer them. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys feature a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys 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 intended to. These keys are costly and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars 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 confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip as present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is sent 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 will start to run. This does not make a car secure from burglary however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each when the key is placed. Over time the wires can start to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is a great method to test a new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge cost to pay for a device that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect 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 by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method of protecting the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you need to take your key fob out every time you use it from the case.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event, you should always have a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and start the car, assuming you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you cut your keys There are many options available for you to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design the new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to protect their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.
