Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting the car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have them break into the lock. To ensure that you can always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed within the past 20 years, it is likely to have transponder chips. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and send a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you use the key. The computer in the car checks the serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to begin. This prevents thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to be aware of the unique serial number.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends a code to the car's onboard computer. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at locksmiths that offer these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell them. motorcycle key cutting have a wide variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can assist you in programming your car's chip that is required to operate the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They have an cylinder for locking that is much more difficult to pick, and can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is more prevalent in luxury vehicles, but it is now available in a wide range of low-cost cars too.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that is difficult to duplicate. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming machine that can only be found at some locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as 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 regular key with a resistor pellet embedded within it to verify that the correct key is used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet that is black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to have an electrical resistance value.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and attached them to the key's blade, so that when the key is turned on in the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted to the module. If the signal is in line with the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will be activated and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it can delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module could start to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time the key is placed. As time passes the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
The good news is that you can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as a chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it's not difficult at all. You can determine the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is a great method to test a brand new key and check whether it will work in your vehicle. Make sure you remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could have an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock or start the vehicle. Many of them have advanced features that many owners are not aware of. They can be used as a security device or as a deterrent to theft. replacement car key cutting can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. This is more functionality than you obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some dealers charge up to $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot 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 moisture and temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter near.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. replacement car key cutting of use of this technology is compromised if you need to remove your key fob each time you want to take it out of the protective case.
Certain policies that are more recent like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on dealer charges and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith who offers key fob cloning.
The decision of whether to purchase an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. Always keep a spare key or fob on hand in case you misplace yours. If you do need to buy a new replacement, Batteries Plus has a wide selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. We also offer an efficient, quick service that costs roughly 50% less than you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional car keys are a single piece of steel that has a series of grooves cut into it to fit a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, provided you haven't changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it must be physically put into the ignition in order to start the car. If your traditional key has been lost, damaged or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you got your keys cut there are a variety of alternatives to select from when it comes to getting another copy made. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with modern-day keys include encryption as well as other anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to open your vehicle, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your car and make it only work when it's within a specific distance of your car.
If you decide to use a conventional, standard key, a locksmith is able to create a new key with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is less expensive than the key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
Another option is to have the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to protect their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your car it won't be able to respond to the signals coming from the key and won't start.