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Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is a lot more than just forming the metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the last 20 years, it is likely that it has a transponder chip. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you press the key. The computer onboard checks the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin only if it recognizes the code. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can design car keys with chips. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. These stores have a wide range of keys and will help you get the right one for your car. They can even assist you to program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential to use it.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment or special software. This technology is more common in luxury vehicles, but it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost cars as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system), key is another type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of 15 possible values to prevent it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a regular key with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The black VATS Pellet that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is sent 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 secure from burglary, but it can delay thieves for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car may start 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 may start to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
You can resolve this issue at home yourself by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key. Then read the ohm meter's display to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great way to test a brand new key and determine if it works in your vehicle. Remove the ignition key first before you test it. Otherwise the key may have an incorrect VATS and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the car. A lot of them come with advanced features that most owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make noises that help you find your car in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their additional functions. They also require to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it is easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter near.
One method to safeguard the key fob's RFID is to keep it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob each time you need to use it from the protective case.
Fortunately, some newer car-insurance policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranty coverages will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost 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 of whether to purchase a new fob is largely dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. You should always keep an extra key or fob in case you misplace yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and open the car, as long as you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback of using traditional keys is that it must be physically put into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to have an alternative one made from the blank.
You have a few options to select from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.
Some of these advanced features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to communicate with your car and make it only work when it's within a specific distance of your vehicle.
If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can make a new one with a standard key cutting business cutting machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder. you can still operate your trunk, locks and doors.
You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are a popular option for those looking to secure their automobiles. laser cut car keys near me cut keys typically have special transponder chips that are programmed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If these chips aren't installed in your car it won't receive the signals coming from the key, and will not start.