Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complicated process that ensures security, functionality and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You will need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer examines the serial number digitally of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the onboard computer of the car. The car will recognize the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
mobile key cutting who provide these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in choosing the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your car's chip which is needed for the device to function.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. These keys have a lock cylinder that is more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with special software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another type of car key that is hard 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 with one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet in the center of a VATS key is not a chip like those used in modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon appropriately sized to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They connected them to the key's blade to ensure that, when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each when the key is inserted. As time passes the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock or start the car. They are also used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. keys cut near me now is a lot more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra features can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes and they typically require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a steep price for a product that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are usually utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store 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 use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob, or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For most drivers who want to buy 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 a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that is approximately 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by a remote key or smart 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 your car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it has been since you were able to cut your keys. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with added security features.
Some of these modern features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to communicate with your car and make it only work when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to use a traditional key, your locksmith can design a new key with the standard cutter machine, which can be purchased from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the 1990s and they're a popular choice for people who want to add extra protection to their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.