Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or have them break through the lock. You'll require a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can create keys for cars with chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a large range of keys and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your car. They can also help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to use it.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end cars but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those present in modern smart keys, it is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on the ignition, a coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a vehicle secure from theft however it can delay the thief by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition, and, over time, the wires could begin to break. When enough wires are broken the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using 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 way to test a new key and determine if it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. They also function as an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them incorporating advanced features that the owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to assist you in finding your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for a single smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Certain automakers have developed strategies to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.
One way to protect the smart key fob is to store it in a metal case or use a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case every time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of replacing a fob or reimburse you for a lost fob. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store who offers key fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than what you'd spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will open your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional car key is that you have to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If auto key cutting machine is lost or broken, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you cut your keys, there are several different alternatives to choose from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.
Some of these features that come with the modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design an entirely new key using the standard cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
laser key cutting near me can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are a popular choice for those looking to secure their vehicles. The majority of laser cut keys come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.