Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. Click Link 'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was manufactured within the last 20 years, it is likely that it has transponder chips. These chips are small microchips inside the handle of your key that transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer in the car reads the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to steal it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start when it recognizes the code. This will stop "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can design car keys with chips. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores offer a wide variety of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is required to make it work.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cut ting machines or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.
Another type of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or cars that had computers built-in to 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 black VATS pellet 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 carbon block properly sized to carry a specific 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 in the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches 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 does not make a car safe from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
After a lot of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time the key is inserted. Over time, the wires may start to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. 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 opportunity to test a brand new key and check if it works 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 function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the car. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking lot, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional capabilities can mean that smart key fobs may be more expensive to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a device that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision to purchase an additional fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event, you should always have an extra key or fob handy just in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, provided you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key is damaged or lost it is necessary to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you had your keys cut , there are several different alternatives to pick from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create the new key using the standard cutter machine that can be bought from most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk, locks and doors.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key and won't start.