Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and the 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 car, you will need a new key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured in the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny in the handle of your key which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The onboard computer checks the digital serial number of the chip before it allows the car to start. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required to use the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now accessible in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
Another type of car key that is hard 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 15 potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded message is sent to module. If it 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. cutting car keys near me doesn't make a car secure from burglary however it could delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module could start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each when the key is inserted. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires are broken 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 own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs of metal that are sticking out on both sides of the key, then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you locate your car in a parking space and even allow you to call your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality can mean that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a high price to pay for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.
To secure a smart card you can put it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case every time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event, you should always have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and start the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using the traditional key is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
You have a few choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to open your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are embedded in the key and connect to your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to secure their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals generated by the key.