Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is more than just forming the metal. It is a complicated process that guarantees security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You'll require an alternative car key to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips inside the handle of your key that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers within the chip and allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars, as thieves would need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip inside the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. This radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can design keys for cars with chips. Some car dealers, like AutoZone offer keys with chips. These stores have a large selection of keys, and can assist you in finding the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can even help you programme the chip into your vehicle, which is required for it to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys feature the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and are only duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or special software. This type of technology is typically found in luxury cars, but is now available on a variety of affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a car that's not intended to. These keys are costly and require a key programming machine, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of a car, 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. 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 properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be sent 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 starts to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof however, it can deter a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a significant amount of use, the VATS module in your car may start to wear out. The two wires that connect the ignition are moved each time the key is introduced. As time passes the wires can start to break. Once enough wires are broken, the signal to the module gets not received and it will not start the car.
You can solve this problem at home yourself by decoding your VATS code. You'll require a multimeter and a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs made of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test out a new key and see whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today can do more than unlock or start a car. A lot of them come with advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or as a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your car in a parking lot and even allow you to summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added functionality also means that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a high cost to pay for a device that's often tossed around in purses and pockets where it can be damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to protect smart key fobs from the most common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or use an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from its case that is protected each time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Some newer policies, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties, will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob cloned by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep an extra key or fob in case you lose yours. And if you need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for most cars and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is made of a single piece of steel with a series of grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys will unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been lost or broken, you will need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
There are a variety of choices to pick from based on how long it has been since you've cut your keys. Certain keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with security features that are enhanced.
Modern keys come with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes sure that only the right key is used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Transponder chips are an additional security feature that prevents theft. find more info are embedded into the key and can communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only work only when you're within a specific distance.
If you choose to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could make a new one using a standard key cutter machine, which is available at the majority of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or a transponder. you are still able to operate your locks, trunk, and doors.
You can also replace your standard car keys with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. These keys first came out in the 1990s, and they're a popular choice for those who wish to provide extra security to their automobiles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chips programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't receive the signals from the key and won't start.