Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just shaping the metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built within the past 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves 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. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your car. They can also help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. They 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 vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those found on modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent 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 starts to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft however it can delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires may start to break. When enough wires have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't begin.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and see whether it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or call it up by pressing a button. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added features can mean that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
where to get car key cut charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time jostled around in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter near.
To secure a smart card you can put it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case every time you use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware retailer that provides key-fob cloning.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event you should have a spare fob or key in case you lose it. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. In helpful hints , our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is lost or broken, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut There are many options to pick from when it comes to getting another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these features that come with the modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it work only when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you will still be able to use your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for those who wish to provide extra security to their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys have special transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't receive the signals from the key, and will not start.