Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece of metal. It is a complex process that ensures security, functionality and longevity of keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. You'll need a replacement car key to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars built within the past 20 years. These chips are small microchips inside the key's handle which transmit a signal to the vehicle's onboard computer whenever you use it. The computer on board detects the digital serial number inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This prevents car thieves from hijacking your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which then transmits a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will recognize this code and will only allow it to start when it is the correct one. This stops "hot wiring" or other methods to steal cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can make car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores offer a wide selection of keys, and can help you find the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is essential for it to function.
There are also laser cut mobile car key cutting that are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have locks that are more difficult to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting equipment, or with specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now being used in a variety of affordable cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another kind of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a car that it's not meant to. get keys cut are more expensive to purchase and require a special key programming machine that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and vehicles 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 with a resistor pellet embedded in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black that is located in the middle of the VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those present on modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and attached them to the blade of the key so that when the key is turned on the ignition the coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches that of the transistor in a VATS pellet, then the relay in the starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This does not make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter the thief for a minimum of 15 to twenty minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use the VATS module in your car may begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires could begin to break. Once enough of the wires break, the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. click now 's not hard to determine the resistance of a key by using a 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 brand new key and check whether it works in your car. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. If not the key could have an incorrect VATS and not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and make chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing the button. This is more functionality than you can get from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. They also need to be programmed at the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something that is often time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic attacks like relay attacks. They are usually paired with remote start hacks that allows thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.
One way to protect the key fob's RFID is to store it in an aluminum case or a dedicated RFID blocking case that prevents the transmission of these signals. The convenience of the technology is compromised if must remove your key fob each time you want to use it from the case.
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 pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on new-car dealer charges and have your fob cut at a hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
For most drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob on hand in the event that you misplace yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and convenient service costs about 50% less than the price you'd spend at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single length of metal with a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and open the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback of using a traditional key is that it must be physically inserted into the ignition to start the car. If your traditional car key has been damaged or lost it is necessary to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to get a new one created.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you had your keys cut there are a variety of options available for you to choose from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys are cut with mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Some of these features that are included in modern-day keys include encryption and other security mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the correct key can be used to start your vehicle which makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are a different anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only function only when you're within certain distance.
If you opt to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith can create a new key with a standard key cutting machine that can be found at many hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you can still operate your locks, trunk, and doors.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and have become an increasingly popular choice for those who want to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys typically contain transponder chips that are designed to work only for your specific vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle, it won't respond to the signals coming from the key and won't start.