Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just forming the metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures safety, functionality and long-term use of keys.
get car key cut is not uncommon to lose your car keys or even have it break in the lock. To ensure that you are able to always drive your vehicle, you will require a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
If your car was constructed in the past 20 years, it is likely to have a transponder chip. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers in your vehicle when you press the key. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers inside the chip and allows the car to start if it is the right one. This prevents car theft since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to take over it.
The microchip in the key transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. This radio signal activates the microchip that then transmits the instructions to the onboard computer of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. locksmith key cutting will stop "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at an authorized locksmith who offers these services. Some car dealers, like AutoZone sell keys with chips. Those stores carry a huge range of keys and will assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can help you program your vehicle's chip that is required for the device to function.
You can also get laser cut keys that are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than flat keys due to the fact that they have a lock that is harder to pick. They are only duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end cars however, it is now available on many affordable models.
Another type of car key that is difficult to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys feature a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen possible values to prevent the car from starting that it's not designed to. These keys are more expensive to purchase and require a specific key programming machine that is only located at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the days of transponder keys and automobiles 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 in it to confirm that the correct key is being used to start the vehicle. The VATS pellet black located in the middle of the VATS key isn't a chip like those present in modern smart keys. It is simply a carbon block properly sized to carry a specific electrical resistance value.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the blade of the key, so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is sent 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 safe from theft however it can delay the thief by at most 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of usage, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. The two wires inside the ignition move each when the key is inserted. Over time, the wires may start to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car will not begin.
You can solve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key using the multimeter. All you have to do is put one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs of metal that are hanging out on both sides of the key. Then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test out a new key and determine whether it will work in your car. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS value and may not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today are more than just unlock or start the vehicle. They also function as a security device and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even be aware of. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit chirping sounds to help you find your car in a parking lot, or even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is more functionality than you can obtain from a traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due to their extra functions. They also need to be programmed by a dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. This is a significant amount to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time in purses and pockets where it can be easily dropped, damaged, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart keyfobs from common electronic attacks, like relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings via the transmission of a fake signal another transmitter close to.
To secure a smart card you can put it in a casing made of metal or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. The ease of use of this technology is compromised if you must remove your key fob every time you need to use it from the case.
Some newer policies such as auto club memberships or extended warranties can cover the cost of a replacement fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also avoid paying new-car dealer fees by having your fob copied by a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
The decision to buy an additional fob is dependent on the significance of your car's keyless entry and start functions. Always keep a spare fob or key on hand in the event that you lose yours. If you have to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a vast selection of fobs for the majority of cars and trucks. Plus, we offer an easy, fast service that is roughly 50% less than you'd buy from 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 changed them out to a smart or remote key. The only disadvantage of using a traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your traditional key has been lost, broken or stolen, you'll have to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have a new one cut from the blank.
Depending on how long has passed since you last cut your keys there are a variety of options available for you to choose from when it comes time to get another copy made. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines, while others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Some of these modern features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption as well as other security mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other anti-theft features include transponder chips, which are incorporated into the key to connect with your car and make it only function when it's within a certain distance of your car.
If you opt to use a traditional key, your locksmith can create an entirely new key using an ordinary cutter machine that is available at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll still be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
Another option is to have your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who wish to safeguard their vehicles. Laser cut keys typically come with transponder chips that are specifically programmed to work with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not installed in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals transmitted by the key.