Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting keys for cars is more than just bending metal. It is a sophisticated process that guarantees security, efficiency and long-term use of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car keys or even break it in the lock. You'll need a new car key in order to ensure you can drive your car at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be added to cars that were built in the last 20 years. These chips are small microchips located in the key's handle that send signals to the car's onboard computer when you use it. The computer in the car checks the digital serial number of the chip prior to giving the car permission to start. This stops theft of vehicles 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 to the car's receiver. This radio signal activates the microchip, which transmits a code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will be able to recognize the code and only allow it to start if it is the correct one. This prevents "hot wiring" or other methods of stealing cars.
Car keys with chips can be made by a locksmith that offers these services. They are also available at some automotive retailers, such as AutoZone. They have a vast selection of keys and can assist you in selecting the best one for your car. They can assist you in programming the chip in your vehicle which is needed for the device to function.
You can also get laser cut keys, which are more secure than traditional flat keys. They are more secure than traditional flat keys due to having a lock that is harder to pick. They can only be duplicated with expensive laser key cutting machines, or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in high-end vehicles but is now accessible on a variety of affordable models.
Another kind of car key that's hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. They come with a resistor 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 designed to. They are expensive and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available at a few locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars equipped with computer chips to control the car's ignition, 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 black VATS Pellet in the middle of a VATS Key is not a smart chip as used on the majority of modern keys. It is simply a block or carbon that is sized to provide an electrical resistance.
GM employed 15 different resistance values for the VATS pellets. They attached them to the key's blade so that when the key is turned on the ignition a coded signal will be sent 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 begins to run. This doesn't make a vehicle theft proof however it will delay the theft by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage the VATS module may start to wear out. Each time the key is inserted into the ignition it moves two very small wires inside the ignition, and over time the wires may begin to break. Once enough of the wires are broken, the signal to the module is lost and the module won't be able to start the car.
The good news is that you can fix this issue yourself by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance of a key with the multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm meter onto the prongs made of metal hanging out on both sides of the key, and then examine the display of your ohm meter to determine the resistance value of your key.
This is a great opportunity to test a brand new key and determine if it works in your vehicle. Remove the key from the ignition first before you test it. Otherwise the key could have an incorrect VATS and will not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs today are more than simply unlock and start the vehicle. They also function as an alarm system and a theft deterrent, with many of them having advanced features that the owners might not even be aware of. key cut place near me G28 Car Keys UK can remotely lock and unlock your doors, make sounding sounds to help find your car in a parking lot and even let you summon your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more than you'd think of from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace due their additional functions. They also need to be programmed by the dealer.
Some dealers charge up to $100 for one smart fob. That's a huge sum to pay for something that spends much of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, which is where it's easily damaged, dropped, or exposed to extreme humidity and temperatures. Some automakers have developed methods to shield smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with remote start hacks that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter nearby.
To secure a smart card to protect it, you can place it in a metal casing or put it in an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a protective case each time you use it undermines the convenience of the technology.
Some newer policies like auto club memberships as well as extended warranties will pay for replacing the fob or reimburse you in the event that it is lost. You can also avoid paying dealership fees by having your fob cloned at a locksmith or hardware store that offers key-fob-cloning services.
For most drivers who are buying a new key fob depends on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button start functions are. In any case, you should always have an extra fob or key in case in case you lose it. If you do need to purchase a replacement, Batteries Plus has a large selection of fobs to fit the majority of vehicles and trucks. In addition, our quick and easy service is about 50% less than what you would spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is one piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are designed to fit specific locks. These keys can unlock your locks and start your car, provided you haven't replaced them by the remote key or smart key. The only drawback to using a traditional key is that it needs to be physically placed into the ignition to start the vehicle. If your car key is damaged or lost you'll need to visit a Gainesville Locksmith to have a new one made.
There are several options to select from based on how long it has been since you've had your keys cut. Some keys are cut using mechanical machines and others are laser-cut with enhanced security features.
Modern keys come with advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the right key can be used to start your vehicle making it much more difficult for thieves to duplicate or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips that are embedded in the key to connect with your vehicle and allow it to only work when it's within the distance of your car.
If you decide to make use of a traditional key, your locksmith can make an entirely new key using a standard cutter machine that can be bought from a variety of hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob, or transponder, and you can still operate your trunk, locks and doors.
You could also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the late 1990s, and are a popular choice for people who want to enhance the security of their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips that are programmed to work only with your vehicle. If the chips aren't present in your vehicle it will not respond to the signals generated by the key.