Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it's likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you turn the key. The computer in the car examines the serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. automotive key cutting near me helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the best one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars too.
Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses an ordinary key that has a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the blade of the key to ensure 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 resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires are broken, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not 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 as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test out a new key and see whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle in a parking lot or activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality also means that smart key fobs can be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For most drivers who are buying an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare key or fob in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. They can unlock your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional key has been damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.
You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.
Modern keys have advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version that has 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 automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.