Car Key Cutting Explained
Car key cutting is much more than just shaping an object of metal. It is a complicated procedure that ensures security, efficiency, and longevity of the keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car, or have them break through the lock. To ensure that pop over to this site can always drive your car you'll need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely to be installed in cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are tiny microchips inside the key's handle that send an electronic signal to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The onboard computer examines the digital serial number of the chip before it allows the car to begin. This stops theft of vehicles since thieves need to know your unique serial number in order to be able to steal it.
The microchip in the key sends a low-level signal the car's receiver. The radio signal activates microchip, and it then sends an informational code to the car's onboard computer. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start if the key is the right one. This stops the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Car keys with chips can be made at a locksmith that offers these services. They can also be purchased at certain automotive stores, such as AutoZone. 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.
There are also laser cut keys, which are more secure than conventional flat keys. These keys are more secure than traditional flat keys because they have a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting equipment, or specialized software. This type of technology is typically found in high-end cars, but it is now being used in a wide range of low-cost automobiles as well.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is a different type of key that's difficult to duplicate. These keys have a black resistor on the key blade that is programmed with one of fifteen potential values to prevent them from starting a car that it's not meant to. These keys are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys and cars equipped with computer chips to control the ignition of the car, GM used something 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 black VATS pellet located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip like the ones used in modern smart keys, it is simply a piece of carbon that is sized appropriately to have an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets and connected them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be transmitted 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 isn't a way to make a car secure from theft however it will delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
After a long period of use the VATS module may begin to wear out. The two small wires in the ignition are moved every time the key is placed. Over time, the wires may begin to break. If enough wires are damaged the signal goes out to the module and the car will not start.
You can solve this problem at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance value of a key using a multimeter. All you need to do is put one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are hanging out on both sides of the key, then read the ohm meter's display to find out the resistance of your key.
This is a great method to test out a new key and determine whether it works in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition prior to testing it, or else the new key could be displaying an incorrect VATS number and will not function in your car.
Smart Key Fobs
Today's key fobs can do more than unlock or start cars. They are also an alarm system and a security measure against theft, with many of them incorporating advanced features that owners may not even know about. They can lock and unlock your door from a distance and emit chirping sounds to help you locate your car in a lot or activate it by pressing the button. That's a lot more than you could ever expect from the traditional keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functions. They also have to be programmed by the dealer.
Some sellers charge as much as $100 for one smart fob. This is a significant amount to pay for something 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. Fortunately certain automakers have come up with ways to safeguard smart key fobs from common kinds of electronic attacks, such as relay attacks. These are often combined with remote start hacks which allows thieves to access your vehicle's settings by the transmission of a fake signal by another transmitter nearby.
To secure a smart card you can put it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from its case that is protected each time you want to use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Some of the newer policies such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will cover the cost of an additional fob or reimburse you if it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealer fees by having your fob copied at a hardware or locksmith store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For most drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on the importance of your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. In any event it is advisable to keep a spare fob or key in case in case you lose it. Batteries Plus offers a large selection of replacement fobs that fit in most vehicles and trucks. Additionally, our fast and efficient service is 50% less than the price you would spend 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 specific locks. These keys will open your locks and start your car, assuming you don't replace them with a remote key or smart key. The only drawback of using the traditional key is that it has to be physically inserted into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit the Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
Depending on how long has passed since you last got your keys cut There are many options to pick from when it comes time to get another copy. Certain keys utilize mechanical cutting machines to create copies, while others use laser-cut keys that are specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys are equipped with advanced features such as encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or take locks. Transponder chips are an additional anti-theft feature. They are incorporated into the key and communicate with your vehicle. This means that they only effective when you're within a certain distance.
If you decide to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design the new key using an ordinary cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is less expensive than an electronic key fob or transponder key, and you'll be able to use your doors, locks and trunk.
You can also replace your standard keys for your car with a laser cut version with a distinctive pattern. These keys were first introduced in the 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those who want to protect their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your car, it won't respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.