Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than simply shaping the metal. It is a complicated process that ensures safety, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. You'll require a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer examines the serial number of the chip before allowing the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. Recommended Internet page offer a wide range of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle that is required to use the device.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now available in many affordable models of cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent it from starting a car that's not designed to. They are expensive and require a key programming machine, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys or cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key with a pellet of resistance embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon appropriately sized to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached them to key blades in a way that, when the key was turned on, a coded message is sent to 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 begins to run. This doesn't make a car secure from burglary however it could delay a thief for at least fifteen to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car can begin to wear out. Every time a key is inserted into the ignition, it moves two very small wires inside the ignition and with time, the wires could begin to break. Once enough wires are broken the signal is lost to the module and the car will not start.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test out a new key and check if it works in your vehicle. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, otherwise the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start cars. They often have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a deterrent to theft. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to summon it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities also means that smart key fobs could be more expensive to replace than traditional keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace a single smart key fob. It's a high price to pay for a device that is often tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Certain automakers have devised methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.
One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to store it in an aluminum case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that blocks the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a case that is protected each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also save money on new car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. It is always advisable to keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than what you would spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and begin your car, provided you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition in order to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key is lost or broken it is necessary to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since you last got your keys cut, there are several different options available for you to choose from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with added security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within a specific range of your car.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to make a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob or a transponder. you can still operate your trunk, locks and doors.
Another option is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and have become a popular option for those who want to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle it won't respond to the signals sent by the key.