Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built in the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer onboard is able to verify the serial number digitally of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. car key cut and program near me , like AutoZone offer them. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip which is needed to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a car 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 some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet located in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached the key blades to them so that, when the key was turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This isn't a way to make a car safe from theft, but it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use, the VATS module can start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and, over time, the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This method is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. They also function as an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. This is more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to keep it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to remove the key fob from its case that is protected each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
There are several options to select from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and 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. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded into the key and communicate with your vehicle. helpful hints means that it can only effective when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using a standard cutter machine that is available from a variety 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.
You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for those who wish to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.
