Car Key Cutting Explained
Cutting a car key is more than just bending metal. It is a sophisticated procedure that ensures security, functionality, and longevity of the keys.
It is not unusual to lose your car key or even break it in the lock. To ensure you're able to always drive your car, you will need to have a replacement key cut.
Transponder Keys
Transponder chips will likely be fitted in vehicles built in the last 20 years. These microchips are in the handle of the key and transmit a signal the onboard computers of your vehicle when you use the key. The onboard computer scans the digital serial numbers in the chip and only allows the car to start if it's the right one. 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 transmits a low-level signal the receiver within the car. The radio signal activates your microchip which then transmits code to the computer onboard of the car. The car will only begin when it recognizes the code. This prevents the use of "hot wiring" and other methods of theft of cars.
Locksmiths who offer these services can design keys for cars that contain chips. They can also be bought at some automotive retailers like AutoZone. These stores have a wide variety of keys and can assist you in choosing the appropriate one for your car. They can even help you program the chip to your vehicle, which is necessary to use it.
Laser cut keys are more secure than flat keys. They are more secure than traditional 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 with specialized software. This technology is most commonly found in luxury cars but is now accessible on many affordable models.
The VATS (vehicle-anti-theft system) key is another type of key that is difficult to duplicate. They come with a resistor black on the blade of the key. It can be programmed with one of fifteen possible values to stop it from starting a vehicle it's not designed to. These keys are costly and require an instrument for programming keys, which is only available through certain locksmiths.
Keys to VATS
Before the advent of transponder keys and automobiles with built-in computer chips to control the car's ignition, GM used something called VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). VATS utilizes a key that has an embedded resistor to verify that the correct key was used to start the car. The VATS black pellet that is located in the middle of a VATS key is not an electronic chip as found on modern smart keys. It is simply a piece of carbon properly sized to carry an electrical resistance that is specific to.
GM used 15 different resistances for the VATS Pellets and connected the key blades to them so that, when the key is turned in the ignition a coded signal is sent to 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 can delay the thief by at minimum 15 to 20 minutes.
After a lot of usage, the VATS module can begin to wear out. Each time a key is inserted into the ignition it reroutes two small wires inside the ignition and, over time, the wires can start 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 issue at home by decoding your own VATS key. It's not difficult to determine the resistance value of a key by using a multimeter. All you need to do is place one of the leads of your ohm gauge on the metal prongs that are visible on both sides of the key, then look at the display of the ohmmeter to find out the resistance of your key.
This is also a great way to test a new key to determine if it will work in your car. Just be sure to remove the key from the ignition before you begin testing it, or else the new key may have an incorrect VATS number and will not work in your vehicle.
Smart Key Fobs
Key fobs today do more than just unlock or start the car. They often have advanced features that many owners are unaware of. They can be used as a security gadget or a theft deterrent. They can remotely lock and unlock your doors, emit noises that help you find your vehicle in a parking lot or allow you to call your vehicle by pressing the button on your smartphone. This is a lot more functionality than you get from a traditional keychain remote. Unfortunately, all that extra functionality also means that smart key fobs can be pricier to replace than standard keychain remotes, and they usually require programming by the dealer.
In fact, some retailers will charge upwards of $100 to replace a single smart key fob. automotive key cutting near me G28 's a high price for a device that is frequently tossed around in pockets and purses where it can be damaged, dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity. Some automakers have developed methods to protect smart key fobs from common electronic threats, including relay attacks. These are typically combined with a remote start hack that gives thieves access to your vehicle's settings through the transmission of a fake signal from another transmitter close to.
To safeguard a smart fob, you can store it in a casing made of metal or use an RFID blocking case. This will block the transmission of these signals. However, having to take the key fob from a protective case each time you need to use it is not a good way to enjoy the benefits of the technology.
Certain policies that are more recent, such as auto club memberships and extended warranties will pay for a replacement fob or reimburse you if it gets lost. You can also save money on new-car dealer fees and have your fob cut at the hardware store or locksmith that offers key-fob cloning services.
For most drivers who want to buy a new key fob depends on how crucial your car's keyless entry and push-button starter functions are. You should always keep a spare key or fob 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 efficient service is 50% less than the price you would spend at the dealership.
Traditional Keys
Traditional keys for cars are a single piece of metal that has grooves cut into it to fit in a specific lock. These keys can open your locks and also start the car, assuming you haven't exchanged them for a smart key or remote key. The only drawback to using an old-fashioned car key is that you need to physically insert it into the ignition to start the engine. If your key from the past is damaged, lost or stolen, you'll need to visit a Gainesville locksmith to have new keys made from the blank.
Based on the amount of time that has passed since the last time you got your keys cut There are many options available for you to select from when it comes to getting another copy. Certain keys employ mechanical cutting machines to make copies, whereas others use laser-cut keys that have been specifically designed with enhanced security features in mind.
Modern keys have advanced features like encryption and anti-theft mechanisms. Encryption ensures that only the correct key can be used to start your car, making it more difficult for thieves to duplicate keys or pick locks. Other security features that prevent theft include transponder chips, which are embedded in the key to communicate with your vehicle and allow it to work only when it's within the distance of your vehicle.
If you decide to use a traditional standard key, a locksmith could create a new one using a standard key cutter machine that can be found at most hardware stores. This is cheaper than a key fob or a transponder, and you will still be able to use your locks, trunk, and doors.
You can also replace your traditional keys for your car with a laser cut version that has an unique pattern. The first keys of this kind were released in the 1990s and are a popular choice for those who want to protect their vehicles. Keys made of lasers are typically equipped with transponder chips programmed to only work with your vehicle. If these chips aren't installed in your vehicle it won't be able to respond to the signals from the key and won't be able to start.