Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle that transmit signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
secret info inside your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. 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 will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip, which is required to use the device.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. The keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black in the center of the VATS key isn't a chip like those found on modern smart keys. It is simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message to the module. If it matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine begins to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft however it will delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. Each time a 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 have been broken, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to find out the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is also a good way to test the new key to determine if 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 car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than unlock or start cars. They are also a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them featuring advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is a lot more features than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. where to get car keys cut are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep price for a device that's often tossed around in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal case or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent such as auto club memberships or extended warranties will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it's lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For most drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. You should always keep an extra key or fob in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide a quick, convenient service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and start your car, provided you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only downside 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 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 select from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys made with security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are a different security feature that prevents theft. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective only when you're within a specific distance.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one using a standard key cutter machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.