Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures security, efficiency and the longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and transmit a signal to the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The computer in the car examines the digital serial number of the chip prior to it allows the car to start. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer them. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. mobile car key cutting can help you program the chip in your vehicle that is required for the device to function.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that is only found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of the car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS uses a key with an internal resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block properly sized to carry an exact electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached the key's blade so that when the key is turned on in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted 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 starts to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however it could delay the thief for a minimum of fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of use, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every when the key is introduced. Over time, the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken, the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
You can solve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal visible on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This method is also a good way to test the new key to determine whether it will work in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They often have advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing a button. This is more features than you get from a traditional keychain remote. However, all that additional functionality also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers will charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a huge price to pay for a product that is often jostled in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. key cut place are typically combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.
One way to protect a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or use an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is compromised if you have to remove your key fob every time you use it from the protective case.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties can pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it's lost. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision to buy a new fob is based on the importance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. In any event, you should always have an extra fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is made of a single piece of steel with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically inserted into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll have to visit an Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut there are a variety of options to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these modern features that come with modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features to prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to only function when it's within a certain range of your car.
If you choose to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those looking to enhance the security of their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.