Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or even have it break in the lock. secret info will need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the last 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key sends an low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.
Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that'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 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 makes use of a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It's just carbon or a block that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached 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 it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time the key is placed. As time passes, the wires may start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This method is also a great way to test a new key to see if it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key may have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets, where it is easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like 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 by another transmitter close to.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if have to take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the case.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships or extended warranties, will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to buy an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. We also offer a quick, convenient service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and begin your car, provided you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, damaged or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last had your keys cut There are many options to select from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these modern features that come with modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a certain range of your car.
If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.