Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car keys or have it break off in the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built within the past 20 years. These microchips are situated in the key's handle and transmit a signal to your vehicle's onboard computers when you turn the key. The computer in the car detects the digital serial number in the chip and only allows the car to start if it is the correct one. This stops thieves from taking over your vehicle because they'd have to know the unique serial number.
The microchip in your car key transmits a low-level 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 the code and only allow it to start only if the key is the correct one. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of stealing cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell them. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program the chip in your vehicle which is needed for the device to function.
You can also purchase laser cut keys that are more secure than conventional flat keys. They have the lock cylinder, which is much harder to pick, and can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or with specialized software. This technology is more common in high-end cars, but it is now being used in many affordable models of cars as well.
Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor in the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop them from starting a vehicle that it's not meant to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a specific key programming device that can only be found at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles equipped with computer chips that control the ignition of a car, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has a resistor embedded in it to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is in the center of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as present in modern smart keys, it's simply a block of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets. They attached the key blades to them so that when the key was turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to module. If the signal matches the one of the transistors in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will turn on and the engine will start to run. This doesn't make a car safe from theft however it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a prolonged period of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition, it reroutes two small wires within the ignition, and with time, the wires may start to break. Once enough of the wires break then the signal to the module gets lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
key cut near me open now can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key with a multimeter. You can determine the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the prongs of metal on both sides of your key.
This is also a good way to test the new key to determine if it will work in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. In the event that it is not removed the key could have an incorrect VATS, and will not work in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than simply unlock and start the car. They can also be a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking lot or let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your phone. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a standard keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that added capabilities can mean that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some dealers cost upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. It's a steep cost to pay for a device that's often jostled in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, thrown or exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. They are typically used in combination with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To secure a smart card, you can store it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The convenience of this technology is diminished if you must remove your key fob each time you use it from the case.
Some newer policies such as auto club memberships as well as extended warranties, will cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also save money on dealership charges and get your fob cut at an establishment like a locksmith or hardware store which offers key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case you should have a spare fob or key in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that will fit on most cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that costs roughly 50% less than the price you'd pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The classic car key is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. They can unlock your locks and start the car, as long as you haven't changed them out for a smart key or remote key. The only downside of using an old-fashioned car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your traditional key is lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit the Gainesville locksmith to get an alternative one made from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since you last had your keys cut There are many alternatives to choose from when it comes to having another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.
Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. The encryption makes it difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and connect to your vehicle. This means that it can only effective only when you're within certain distance.
If you choose to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create a new key with an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or a transponder. you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.
key cutting price can also replace your standard keys to your car with a laser-cut version that has an unique pattern. The first time these keys were introduced was in the late 1990s, and they're a popular choice for people who want to add extra protection to their vehicles. Laser cut keys are usually equipped with transponder chip that is programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.