Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming an object of metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer onboard examines the serial number digitally of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside your car keys transmits an unintentional radio signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your vehicle. car key cuts near me 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 are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. The keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys or cars with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a car safe from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition move each time the key is placed. As time passes, the wires may begin to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by putting 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 check whether it will work in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners aren't aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a deterrent to theft. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price to pay for a device that's often jostled in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.
To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if must take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the case.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties can pay for an additional fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. You should always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and convenient service costs about 50% less than what you would spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and open the car, assuming you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys cut from the blank.
There are a variety of options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only effective only when you're within a specific distance.
If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
Another option is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys first came out in the late 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to enhance the security of their automobiles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.