Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming an object of metal. mobile car key cutting is a sophisticated process that guarantees safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These microchips are located in the handle of the key and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct 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 in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will be able to recognize this code and only allow it to start when the key is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who provide these services can make keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed to use the device.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much more difficult to pick, and they can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment or specialized software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars as well.
Another type of key for cars that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a 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 meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming machine that is only found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles 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 an embedded resistor to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car. The black VATS pellet inside the middle of a VATS key is not a chip like those found on modern smart keys, it's simply a carbon block that is sized appropriately to have an exact electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key to ensure that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal matches the resistance value of the transistor in the VATS pellet, the relay in the starter circuit is activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car theft proof however it will delay the theft by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time a key is inserted. Over time, the wires may begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken then the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal sticking out on both sides of the key, and then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance value of your key.
This is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, otherwise the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than just a way to unlock or start a car. Many of them have advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle in a parking lot or call it up by pressing a button. This is more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also require to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price for a device that is frequently tossed around in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks 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.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to keep it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its protective case every time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties will cover the cost of a replacement fob, or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For most drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event, you should always have a spare fob or key in case you lose it. And if you need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, mobile car key cutting provide an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of steel that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them by an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one cut from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different alternatives to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. mobile key cutting ensures that only the correct key is used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only function only when you're within a specific distance.
If you choose to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one with a standard key cutting 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 keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who want to secure their automobiles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals transmitted by the key.