Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than simply shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that guarantees security, function and long-term use of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose your car key 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
If your car was built within the last 20 years, it's likely that it has a transponder chip. These chips are tiny microchips located in the key's handle that transmit an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you are using it. The computer on board scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the correct one. This helps prevent theft of cars since thieves need to know your unique serial number to be able to take over it.
The microchip in your car keys transmits a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. The radio signal activates microchip, which transmits an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize this code and will only allow it to start if the key is the correct one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be created at locksmiths that offer these services. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone sell keys with chips. They have a vast range of keys and will help you get the right one for your vehicle. They can help you program your vehicle's chip which is needed to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys are more secure than flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles however, it is now available on many affordable models.
Another kind of car key that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. The keys are black with a resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of 15 possible values to stop the car from starting that it's not intended to. They are expensive and require the use of a key programming machine which is only available at a few locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before transponder keys and cars that had computers built-in to control the ignition, GM used a system called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS makes use of a key with an embedded resistor to confirm that the right key was used to start the car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip like those used on the majority of modern keys. It's just carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistance values for VATS pellets and connected the key's blade so that when the key is turned in the ignition, a coded signal is sent to the module. If the signal matches the signal of the transistor in a VATS pellet then the relay in starter circuit will activate and the engine will begin to run. This doesn't make a car burglar-proof, but it can delay a thief for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module could begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved each time the key is introduced. As time passes the wires can begin to break. When enough wires have been broken the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
The good news is that you can solve this problem yourself at home by decoding your VATS key. You'll require a multimeter as well as an indicator chart to determine the resistance value of your key, but it is not that difficult. You can find the resistance value by putting one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This method is also a good way to test a new key to see whether it works in your vehicle. Be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, as the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS value and not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs of today are more than just a way to unlock or start the car. They are also a security device and a burglar deterrent, with a lot of them having advanced features that the owners might not be aware of. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to aid in locating your vehicle in a parking lot, or allow you to summon it by pressing a button. This is a lot more than you'd imagine from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality can mean that smart key fobs may be pricier to replace than traditional keychain remotes. They also require programming by the dealer.
Some dealers will charge up to $100 for one smart fob. It's a huge price to pay for a product that is often jostled in pockets and purses in the event that it gets damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and water. Fortunately, some automakers have developed ways to protect smart key fobs from common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. These are usually employed in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to access the settings of your vehicle by sending a fake signal from another nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal case or even an RFID blocking case. This will prevent the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case every time you need to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Some of the newer policies, such as auto club memberships or extended warranties can pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it gets lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning.
The decision of whether to buy an additional fob is dependent on the importance of your car's keyless start and entry functions. In any case, you should always have a spare fob or key in case you lose yours. Batteries Plus offers a large range of replacement fobs that fit on most cars and trucks. Additionally, our fast and easy service is about 50% less than the price you would pay at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The car key of old is a single piece of metal with a series grooves carved into it. These grooves are made to fit certain locks. These keys can open your locks and start the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them to a smart or remote key. The only drawback to using traditional keys is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key is damaged or lost, you will need to visit an Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one created.
Depending on how long has passed since the last time you got your keys cut, there are several different options to pick from when it comes to having another copy. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to produce copies, while others employ laser-cut keys that are designed with enhanced security features in mind.
our homepage are equipped with advanced features, such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Transponder chips are another anti-theft device. They are embedded in the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only work when you're within a certain distance.
If you opt to use a traditional, standard key, a locksmith could create a new one with a standard key cutting machine which can be purchased at many hardware stores. This is less expensive than a key fob, or transponder, and you are still able to operate your locks, trunk, and doors.
Another alternative is to get the traditional car keys replaced with a laser-cut version that has a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s, and are now a popular option for people who want to add extra protection to their vehicles. Typically, laser cut keys contain transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your specific vehicle. If these chips are not present in your vehicle, it will not respond to the signals sent by the key.