15 Things You Didn t Know About Cut Car Key
mobile car key cutting Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or have it break off in the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips inside the handle of your key which transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This stops theft of vehicles as thieves would have to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip inside the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip, which transmits a instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. Some auto dealers like AutoZone offer them. They have a vast variety of van keys cut near me and can help you get the right one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is most common in high-end vehicles but is now accessible in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys have a black resistor on the blade of the key that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days 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 uses an ordinary key with a resistor pellet embedded inside it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black located in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip like those present on modern keys. It is merely a block or carbon that is sized to have an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and attached the Automotive Key cutting near me blades to them so that when the key is turned in the ignition the key blades transmit a coded message 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 car secure from burglary, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires could begin to break. Once enough of the wires break the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to determine the resistance of your key.
This is a great method to test out a new key and determine if 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 will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Key fobs today can do more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They are also used as a security device and theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle when you're in a hurry or summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you'd expect from the traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra capabilities can mean that smart key fobs could be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for a single smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for a product that spends much of its time snagging around in pockets and purses, where it is easily dropped, damaged or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are often employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
One method to safeguard a smart key fob is to put it in a metal case or an RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you need to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, a few of the latest car insurance policies and auto club memberships and extended warranty coverage will cover the cost of a replacement or reimburse you for the lost fob. You can also avoid paying new car key cut-car dealership fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For the majority of 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 it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. If you have to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with an electronic key or a remote 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 car key is lost or broken you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
There are several choices to pick from based on how long it's been since you've had your keys cut. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines or lasers, while others are cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these advanced features that are included in modern keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you decide to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith can make a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to have your traditional car key substituted with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to secure their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle they will not respond to the signals sent by the key.
