Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality and the longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These microchips are tiny inside the handle of your key that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer onboard is able to verify the digital serial number of the chip before allowing the car to start. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle since they'd need to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key transmits an unintentional radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits an encoded code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start only if it is the correct one. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some auto dealers like AutoZone sell them. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential to make it work.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than traditional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars, but is now available on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 potential values to prevent the car from starting that it's not designed to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before transponder keys and cars with computer chips built in to control the ignition, GM used a system known as VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a standard key that has a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is used to start the car. The VATS pellet black inside the middle of the VATS key isn't an electronic chip as used in modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on the ignition, a 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 starts to run. This isn't a way to make a car secure from theft however it can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car could begin to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition move each when the key is inserted. As time passes the wires could start to break. Once enough of the wires are broken then the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS code. You'll need a multimeter and an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not difficult at all. All you have to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and see if it works in your car. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs with Smart Keys
Today's key fobs are more than just a way to unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are not aware of. car key cutting price can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to help you locate your vehicle when you're in a hurry, or allow you to 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 functions. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high price to pay for a product that is often jostled in purses and pockets where it could be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob to protect it, you can place it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its protective case each time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, 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 dealership fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision of whether to buy a new fob is largely based on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep an extra key or fob on hand in case you lose yours. If you have to purchase a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit most cars and trucks. Additionally, we provide an easy, fast service that is approximately 50% less than the price you'd buy from a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit into a particular lock. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, assuming you haven't replaced them with the remote key or smart key. The only disadvantage of using traditional keys is that it has to be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost, you will need to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
Depending on how much time has passed since you last cut your keys There are many options to pick from when it comes to having another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these modern features that come with the modern keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function when you're within a certain distance.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can create a new key with a standard cutter machine that is available from most hardware stores. This is less expensive than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to operate your locks, doors and trunk.
You can also replace your traditional car keys with a laser-cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are a popular option for those who wish to secure their automobiles. The majority of laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are designed to work only with the specific vehicle you own. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.