Car Key Cutting ExplainedCar key cutting is more than just shaping the metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car key cut was built within the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are located in the key cutting business's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip in your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the cheap car key cutting near me. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can make car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. These stores have a large variety of keys, and can assist you in choosing the best one for your vehicle. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys are black with a resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message 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 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 could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each when the key is placed. As time passes the wires could start to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car will not begin.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key by using the multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a new key and determine whether it will work 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 work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start cars. They can also be used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help locate your car key cutting price in a parking space, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge 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 typically combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case each time you make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty insurance policies will cover the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on 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 a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event, you should always have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement car key cutting, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Plus, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than what you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it must be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.
There are several options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that are included in modern types of keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys replaced with a laser cut version with a distinctive 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 vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys cut in my area come with transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.
