Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car or have them break in the lock. You'll need an alternative car key to ensure that you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
If your car was built within the last 20 years, it's likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. 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 prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number 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. This radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start if it recognizes this code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can create car keys with chips. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. They have a huge range of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required to operate the device.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to having locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or with specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end cars however, it is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not intended to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It's just a block or carbon that is sized to hold an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached the key blades to them so that when the key was turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message to module. If the signal is in line with the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in the starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires could begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter on the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, and then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it works in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They also function as used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them having advanced features that owners might not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. That's a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will cost upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that's frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have devised methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.
To protect a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you have to take your key fob out every time you need to use it from the case.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning.
For most drivers, the decision to purchase a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push button starter functions are. In any event you should have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that will fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you would spend at the dealership.
laser key cutting near me is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. They can unlock your locks and also start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using the traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you got your keys cut There are many alternatives to choose from when it comes to getting another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to make copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that are included in modern keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks, and doors.
You could also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those looking to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals generated by the key.