Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures safety, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
key cut places near me is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the key's handle and send a signal to the onboard computers in your vehicle when you use the key. The computer in the car checks the serial number digitally of the chip before giving the car permission to start. This prevents thieves from stealing your car, as they would need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the car's receiver. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard 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 stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. These stores have a large range of keys and can assist you in choosing the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle, which is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in high-end vehicles, however it is now being used in a variety of affordable automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. They have a resistor that is black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a car that's not intended to. key cut places near me are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black that is located in the middle of the 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 which is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned on 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 will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle safe from theft however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a lot of usage, the VATS module in your car can start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each time the key is inserted. As time passes the wires could start to break. When enough wires break, the signal to the module is lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key by using the multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key. Then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.
This method is also a great way to test a new key to see whether it works in your car. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed, the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They also function as used as a security device and burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners might not be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing a button on your smartphone. This is more than you could ever imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a device that is often time snagging around in purses and pockets which is where it's easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob you can put it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is diminished if you have to take your key fob out every time you want to use it from the case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of replacing a fob or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new-car dealership charges and get your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
The decision to buy a new fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any event, you should always have a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than what 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 a specific lock. These keys will open your locks and begin your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one made from the blank.
There are several options to choose from depending on how long it has been since you had your keys cut. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with added security features.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it only function when it's within a certain distance of your vehicle.
If you choose to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith can create a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder, and you can still operate your trunk locks, trunk locks and doors.
Another option is to have your standard car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become a popular choice for those who want to secure their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.