Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has transponder chips. These microchips are located in the key's handle and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer reads the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it's the right one. This helps prevent theft of cars as thieves would have to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip that then transmits the code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will recognize this code and only allow it to start when the key is the right one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge variety of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can even assist you to programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is more difficult to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specially designed software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. They come with a resistor 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 that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and vehicles with computer chips that control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an internal resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a 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 hold an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will turn on and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time the key is inserted. Over time the wires can start to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module is not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this problem yourself 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 is not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test the new key to determine whether it works in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, as the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today can do more than simply unlock or start the car. They also function as used as a security device and security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance, make chirping noises to aid in locating your car in a lot or activate it by pressing the button. This is a lot more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. click to find out more have to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that is often jostled in purses and pockets in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Certain automakers have developed strategies to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
To protect a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you have to take your key fob out every time you take it out of the protective case.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case, you should always have a spare fob or key in case you lose it. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and efficient service is 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. cutting car key can unlock your locks and 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 must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one cut from the blank.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it's been since you've were able to cut your keys. car key cut are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new one with a standard key cutting machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than using the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.