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Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and durability of keys.
It is not unusual to lose keys to your car, or even have them break into the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were that were built in the last 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the key's handle that send a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer when you use it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car theft, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to have a chance at hijacking it.
The microchip in your car key transmits an low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, and it then sends an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only start only if it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. These stores have a wide selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your car's chip, which is required for the device to function.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and they are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or specially designed software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars, but is now available on many affordable models.
Another kind of car key that's difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to any of 15 possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with a resistor embedded in it to ensure that the correct key was used to start the car key cut. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is simply carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition the coded signal is transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with 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 safe from burglary however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of usage, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition are moved every when the key is inserted. As time passes the wires can start to break. Once enough wires break, the signal to the module gets lost and it won't start the car.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with the multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a new key cutting cost and see whether it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the vw key cut by vin near me could have an incorrect VATS and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the car. They can also be a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to assist you in finding your car in a lot or activate it by pressing a button. This is more than you could ever think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functionality. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a lot to pay for a device that spends much of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to extreme moisture and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are usually used in combination with remote-start hacks that allow thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending an untrue signal from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to keep it in a metal case or a specially designed RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you have to remove your key fob every time you take it out of the protective case.
Some of the newer policies like auto club memberships and extended warranties, will cover the cost of replacing the fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith 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. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in case you lose yours. If you do need to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys will unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you don't swap them out for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one made.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you were able to cut your keys. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others employ laser-cut keys specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only work only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can make the new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your doors, locks and trunk.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those looking to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your car it won't receive the signals coming from the key and won't start.