Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips in the key's handle which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board 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 as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They 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 equipment, or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end cars, but it is now available in many affordable models of automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones present in modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key, so 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 the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test out a new key and determine whether it will work in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
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Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. local key cutting can lock and unlock your door remotely, make chirping noises to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry or call it up by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you can get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.
To protect a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if need to take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the protective case.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it's 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 buy a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you would spend at a 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 made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, provided you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.
You have a few options to choose from depending on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your car making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it work only when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.