Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending a piece metal. It is a complex process that guarantees security, function and durability of keys.
It is not uncommon to lose keys to your car or even have them break into the lock. You will need a new car key in order to ensure that you can drive your vehicle at all times.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips are likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are situated in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you turn the key. The onboard computer examines the serial number of the chip before it allows the car to start. This stops thieves from hijacking your vehicle, as they would need to know the unique serial number.
The microchip inside your car key sends a low-level radio signal to the receiver inside the car. This radio signal activates the microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin if it recognizes this code. This will stop the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of taking cars.
Locksmiths that offer these services can create car keys with chips. Some automotive retailers such as AutoZone offer them. They have a vast variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your vehicle. They can assist you in programming your vehicle's chip which is needed to use the device.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. These keys have an cylinder for locking that is much harder to pick, and they can only be duplicated using expensive laser key cutting machines or specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars however, it is now available in a wide range of low-cost models.
Another type of key for cars that is hard to duplicate is the VATS (vehicle anti-theft system) key. These keys contain a resistor that's black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed to one of a variety of values to prevent it from starting a vehicle that's not intended to. These keys are more expensive to buy and require a special key programming device that can only be located at certain locksmiths.
VATS Keys
Before the days of transponder keys as well as cars with built-in computer chips to control the ignition of the 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 car. The VATS pellet in black in the middle of a VATS Key isn't an electronic chip that is like those found on most modern keys. It is merely carbon or a block which is sized to hold an electrical resistance.
GM used 15 different resistances for VATS pellets and attached them to key blades so that, when the key is turned on, the key blades transmit a coded message 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 can delay the theft by at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Unfortunately, after a long period of use, the VATS module in your car could start to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it moves two tiny wires inside the ignition, and with time, the wires could start to break. If enough wires are damaged, the signal is lost to the module and the car won't start.
You can resolve this issue at home by decoding your VATS key. It's not hard to determine the resistance of a key using a multimeter. You can find the resistance value by placing one of the leads on the metal prongs on both sides of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to determine whether 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 may have an incorrect VATS and not function in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs for Keys
Key fobs of today do more than just unlock or start cars. A lot of them come with advanced features that a lot of owners aren't aware of. They can be employed as a security tool or as a theft deterrent. They can lock and unlock your door remotely and make chirping sounds to aid in locating your car in a lot, or allow you to call it up by pressing the button. This is a lot more features than you get from a standard keychain remote. Smart key fobs are more expensive to replace because of their extra functionality. please click the up coming document need to be programmed by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace one smart key fob. That's a lot to pay for a product that spends a lot of its time jostled around in purses and pockets, where it can be easily damaged, dropped or exposed to moisture and extreme temperatures. Fortunately there are automakers who have developed ways to safeguard smart key fobs from the most common types of electronic threats like relay attacks. They are typically utilized in conjunction with a remote-start hack that allows thieves to gain access to your vehicle's settings by transmitting false signals from a nearby transmitter.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a metal casing or even an RFID blocking case. This will stop the transmission of these signals. However, the necessity of removing the key fob from a case that is protected each time you want to make use of it is a hassle and a detriment to the efficiency of the technology.
Fortunately, some of the newer car insurance policies, auto club memberships, and extended warranty coverage will pay for the cost of a replacement or pay for the loss of a fob. You can also save money on dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith which offers key-fob cloning.
For the majority of drivers who want to buy an additional key fob is contingent on how important your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob in case you misplace yours. If you have 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 convenient service costs about 50% less than what you'd pay at a dealership.
Traditional Keys
The traditional car key is a single piece of metal with a series of grooves cut into it. These grooves are made to fit specific locks. These keys can open your locks and start your vehicle, provided that you haven't replaced them with an electronic key or a remote key. The only drawback to using a traditional car key is that you must physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your car key has been damaged or lost you'll need to visit an Gainesville locksmith to get a new one made.
There are a variety of options to select from based on how long it's been since you had your keys cut. Some keys use mechanical cutting machines to create copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been made with security features in mind.
Some of these features that come with the modern-day keys include encryption and other anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption makes it harder for thieves to duplicate keys or open locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded into the keys to connect with your car and make it only work when it's within a certain range of your car.
If you opt to utilize a traditional key your locksmith can design the new key using an ordinary cutter machine, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than using a key fob or a transponder key, and you'll be able to use your locks, doors and trunk.
Another alternative is to get your traditional car key replaced with a laser-cut version with a unique pattern. These keys were first introduced in the early 1990s and are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to safeguard their automobiles. Laser cut keys are typically equipped with transponder chips 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.