Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer checks the serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This stops thieves from stealing your car because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. They have a vast selection of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required to use it.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. get more info can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not designed to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or vehicles with computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those used in modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors 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 burglar-proof however it could delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time the key is introduced. As time passes the wires could begin to break. When enough wires are broken, the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great way to test a brand new key and determine 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 not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that most owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or summon it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that is often time in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if must take your key fob out every time you need to take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also save money on new car dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase an additional key fob is contingent on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any case it is advisable to keep an extra fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional key is that it must be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how much time has passed since the last time you got your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to select from when it comes time to get another copy made. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are made with security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This makes it only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.
Another option is to have the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those looking to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't receive the signals emanating from the key and won't be able to start.