Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have them break in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure that you are able to drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny located in the handle of your key which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer onboard is able to verify the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents car theft as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can help you find the best one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary for it to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars, but is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a vehicle that it's not intended to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key is not an electronic chip that is like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block that is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected them to key blades in a way that when the key was turned on, a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however it could delay thieves for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time a key is introduced. As time passes the wires can begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using a multimeter. You can determine 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 way to test a brand new key and see whether it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs do more than just unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help locate your car in a parking space, or even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a steep price to pay for a product that is often tossed around in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to store it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you must take your key fob out every time you use it from the case.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will cover the cost of an additional fob, or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision to buy a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case it is advisable to keep a spare key or fob handy just in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large choice of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. We also offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than the price 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 open the car, provided you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get new keys made from the blank.
There are key cut near me open now of choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've 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 such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within a certain distance of your car.
If you opt to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you are still able to operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys substituted with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, they will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.
